Description
Cheesy French Onion Meatballs combine the best of two comfort food classics: juicy, flavorful meatballs and the savory, caramelized onion sauce of French onion soup. Topped with golden, bubbly Gruyère cheese, this dish is an instant hit at the dinner table. Serve it with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for any cook looking to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce and Finishing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the French Onion Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until caramelized, about 15–20 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat.
- Add beef broth, white wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Scrape the skillet to deglaze and bring to a simmer.
Combine and Simmer:
- Return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Add the Cheese:
- Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the meatballs and sauce. Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Garnish with parsley (optional) and serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Meatballs and caramelized onions can be prepared a day ahead and stored separately.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 35