French Onion Meatballs deliver rich flavor in minutes, making them a go-to dish for busy weeknights. These tender meatballs are enveloped in a savory sauce that showcases the delightful taste of caramelized onions and herbs. With the option of adding gooey cheese, every bite is a comforting experience that brings the flavors of classic French onion soup to the table. Join me as we explore this irresistible dish!

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Meatballs

There are countless reasons to adore these French Onion Meatballs. They are quick to prepare, making them ideal for weeknight dinners. The combination of juicy beef and sweet, caramelized onions creates a unique flavor profile that stands out. Plus, they can be easily customized with various ingredients, such as adding cheese for a cheesy twist. The dish is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free breadcrumbs, catering to dietary needs. The versatility allows for serving them over pasta, rice, or even in a sub, making them a favorite for families. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or an easy crowd-pleaser, these meatballs fit the bill perfectly.

Ingredients for French Onion Meatballs

Gather these items:

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 for juiciness)
• 1/2 cup finely grated onion or caramelized onions
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup milk or dairy-free milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional, for center stuffing)
• 2 cups beef broth or broth of choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

How to Make French Onion Meatballs Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion (or caramelized onions), minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until just combined.
2. Step 2: If stuffing with cheese, pinch a small amount of Gruyère into the center of each portion. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet or in a lightly greased pan.
3. Step 3: Shallow-fry the meatballs in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Alternatively, bake for 12–15 minutes until just cooked through.
4. Step 4: While the meatballs brown, heat a little oil in a separate pan and add the remaining onion. Sauté until the onion turns amber and sweet, about 8–12 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the beef broth to the same pan and simmer for 3–4 minutes, then whisk in any pan juices and Worcestershire sauce. Add the caramelized onion mixture and return the meatballs to the pan. Cook for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For richness, add a small knob of butter and swirl until melted.
7. Step 7: Turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
8. Step 8: Optional: Serve over cauliflower rice or with pasta for a hearty meal. A green salad on the side adds freshness.

Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Meatballs

Keep these in mind:

• Use high-quality ground beef for better flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Pair with a green salad for a balanced meal.
• For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while sautéing the onions.

Best Ways to Serve French Onion Meatballs

There are many delicious ways to serve these meatballs. Try them in a French Onion Meatball sub, nestled in a toasted baguette with melted cheese. Alternatively, serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or pasta for a comforting meal. For a lighter option, spoon them over a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh green salad to balance the flavors.

How to Store and Reheat French Onion Meatballs

To store your meatballs, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or sauce to prevent drying out. If you prefer meal prep, consider freezing the cooked meatballs in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. This allows for easy reheating whenever you want a quick, delicious meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Meatballs

What’s the secret to perfect French Onion Meatballs?

The secret lies in the balance of flavors and careful cooking. Using quality beef and taking the time to caramelize the onions properly enhances the dish immensely. Don’t rush the browning process, as it builds depth in flavor!

Can I make French Onion Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat them in the sauce before serving. This makes them an excellent choice for meal prep or hosting guests.

How do I avoid common mistakes with French Onion Meatballs?

To avoid dense meatballs, mix the ingredients gently and don’t overwork the meat. Also, ensure you’re using the right fat content in your ground beef for juiciness. Pay attention to cooking times to keep them tender and flavorful.

Variations of French Onion Meatballs You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with variations of this dish. You can create Cheesy Onion Meatballs by adding more cheese or use chicken or turkey for a lighter version. For a different twist, try Onion Soup Meatballs by incorporating onion soup mix into the meat mixture for added flavor. You can also explore Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs for a hands-off cooking experience, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!

For more delicious recipes, check out Spaghetti with Garlic and Oil or Homemade Tomato Sauce. If you’re interested in the health benefits of onions, visit The Many Benefits of Onions.

French Onion Meatballs: 7 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy Them

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French onion meatballs deliver rich flavor in minutes with tender centers and quick weeknight prep. Enjoy savory gravy, herbs, and cheese.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking and Sautéing
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef (85/15 for juiciness)
• 1/2 cup finely grated onion or caramelized onions
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko (gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup milk or dairy-free milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (optional, for center stuffing)
• 2 cups beef broth or broth of choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion (or caramelized onions), minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until just combined.
2. If stuffing with cheese, pinch a small amount of Gruyère into the center of each portion. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet or in a lightly greased pan.
3. Shallow-fry the meatballs in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Alternatively, bake for 12–15 minutes until just cooked through.
4. While the meatballs brown, heat a little oil in a separate pan and add the remaining onion. Sauté until the onion turns amber and sweet, about 8–12 minutes.
5. Add the beef broth to the same pan and simmer for 3–4 minutes, then whisk in any pan juices and Worcestershire sauce. Add the caramelized onion mixture and return the meatballs to the pan. Cook for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
6. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. For richness, add a small knob of butter and swirl until melted.
7. Turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
8. Optional: Serve over cauliflower rice or with pasta for a hearty meal. A green salad on the side adds freshness.

Notes

• Use high-quality ground beef for better flavor.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Pair with a green salad for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg