Description
Cheesy French Onion Meatballs combine juicy, flavorful meatballs with a savory, caramelized onion sauce topped with golden Gruyère cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food dish.
Ingredients
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
