Cheesy French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Cheesy French Onion Meatballs combine juicy, flavorful meatballs with rich caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese. This hearty dish brings together comforting flavors that are perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special gathering.

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: 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.
3. Step 3: 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.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat evenly. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the skillet to deglaze. Bring to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Return meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the meatballs and sauce. Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the meatball mixture for extra herbal flavor.
• If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss cheese or mozzarella make great substitutes.
• Caramelize the onions slowly to develop deep sweetness without burning.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and even cook them up to the simmering step in advance. Store in the fridge and finish heating and broiling just before serving.

What should I serve with cheesy French onion meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with crusty bread, creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cheesy French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 111 reviews

Cheesy French Onion Meatballs combine tender ground beef meatballs with a rich, caramelized onion sauce topped with melted Gruyère cheese. This comforting dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined, ensuring all seasonings are well distributed.
2. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and set them aside on a plate or tray.
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the French Onion Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle them with sugar. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the onions are deeply caramelized and soft, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Add the Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat the onions. This step will help thicken the sauce.
6. Add Broth and Worcestershire Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the skillet bottom to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer to blend the flavors and thicken slightly.
7. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Cover and let simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
8. Add the Cheese and Broil: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
9. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve the cheesy French onion meatballs hot alongside crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a complete and hearty meal.

Notes

• If you prefer, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Gruyère cheese can be replaced with Swiss cheese or mozzarella if needed.
• To enhance flavor, prepare the meatballs a few hours ahead and refrigerate before cooking.
• Ensure onions are slowly caramelized for the best depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Use fresh parsley as a garnish to add a touch of freshness to the dish.
• Broiling times may vary; watch carefully to prevent burning the cheese.

Keywords: French onion meatballs, cheesy meatballs, caramelized onion sauce, Gruyère meatballs, skillet meatballs