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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.

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 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

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/cheesy-french-onion-meatballs-recipe/