French Onion Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Meatballs combine the rich, caramelized flavor of French onion soup with juicy, tender meatballs for a comforting and satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping in advance. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Beef broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Gruyère cheese, shredded
• Bread crumbs
• Egg
• Fresh thyme
• Salt and black pepper
• Flour (for thickening the sauce, if needed)

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme. Form into meatballs.
2. Sear the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs on all sides until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, melt butter and add sliced onions. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized (about 25 minutes).
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
5. Simmer the Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer in the onion mixture for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked.
6. Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs, cover, and let it melt.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or toasted bread.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 40 minutes
• Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Turkey Option: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner version.
• Extra Creamy Sauce: Stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Gruyère is ideal, but Swiss or mozzarella also work well.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes.

How do I prevent the onions from burning?

Cook them slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Can I use pre-made meatballs?

Yes, but homemade meatballs will have the best flavor.

What side dishes go well with this?

Mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread pair perfectly.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken can be used, but the flavor will be lighter.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4-5 hours after searing the meatballs and caramelizing the onions.

Can I thicken the sauce?

If needed, mix a teaspoon of flour with a little broth and stir it in.

How do I make this dish more kid-friendly?

Reduce the Worcestershire sauce slightly and use a mild cheese like mozzarella.

Conclusion

French Onion Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic dish, bringing together the rich flavors of caramelized onions, savory meatballs, and melty cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal!

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