Description
Cheesy French Onion Meatballs meld succulent, seasoned beef meatballs with a rich, caramelized French onion sauce, topped with melted Gruyère cheese for a comforting and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
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 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 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, allowing flavors to meld and meatballs to cook through.
- Add the Cheese: Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce. Broil for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot alongside crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Meatballs and caramelized onions can be prepared a day ahead and stored separately to save time on cooking day.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour alternative to suit dietary needs.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.
