French Onion Meatloaf

Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir frequently and allow them to soften and slowly caramelize, which will take about 25-30 minutes. Add a splash of beef broth occasionally to deglaze the pan. Once the onions are deeply golden, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes. Set half of the caramelized onions aside for the topping.
Prepare the Meatloaf Mixture: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can make the loaf dense.