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French Onion Meatballs: 7 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy Them

French Onion Meatballs
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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

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

Find it online: https://bakerslider.com/french-onion-meatballs/

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