Rich Cheesy French Onion Meatballs Recipe (Print Version)
Rich Cheesy French Onion Meatballs bring together savory beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese. A comforting dish perfect for any night.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Dietary: Meat, Dairy
# Ingredients:
→ Meatball Base
01 -
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 -
1 large egg
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
06 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
07 -
1/2 tsp salt
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ French Onion Flavor
09 -
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
10 -
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
11 -
2 cups beef broth
12 -
4 sprigs fresh thyme
→ Cheese & Topping
13 -
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
→ Optional Extras
15 -
Crusty baguette or mashed potatoes for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Slice your onions thinly and toss them in. This is where the magic starts. Stir them occasionally, letting them slowly turn that beautiful deep golden-brown. This can take 20-30 minutes, sometimes more. Don't rush it! I promise, the sweet, savory depth you get from truly caramelized onions is non-negotiable for these Cheesy French Onion Meatballs.
02 -
While your onions are doing their thing, grab a big bowl. Crumble in your ground beef. Add the panko, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire, Dijon, a good pinch of salt and black pepper, and about half of those gorgeous caramelized onions once they’re done cooling a bit. Gently mix everything together with your hands. Don't overmix, hon, or your meatballs will be tough. I’ve made that mistake, thinking more mixing equals better, but nope, light touch is key for tender meatballs.
03 -
Now for the fun part: rolling! Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and gently roll it into a ball. They don't have to be perfectly round; rustic is good! Heat a little more olive oil in that same skillet (or a clean one if you prefer) over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs until they're browned on all sides. You’re not cooking them through yet, just getting that lovely crust. This step adds so much flavor, you can practically smell the deliciousness already!
04 -
Once the meatballs are seared, carefully pour in the beef broth. Add the remaining caramelized onions and the fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that's pure flavor right there! Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine, I swear.
05 -
Nestle the seared meatballs back into the simmering sauce. Make sure they're mostly submerged. Now for the best part: sprinkle that glorious shredded Gruyère cheese all over the top of the meatballs and the sauce. Seriously, don't be shy here! I always sprinkle a little extra, because, well, cheese. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through.
06 -
Once that cheese is gloriously gooey and the sauce is perfectly rich, it's time to serve! Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, if you're feeling fancy. I usually just grab a spoon and dive in. These Cheesy French Onion Meatballs are fantastic on their own, but truly shine over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with a crusty baguette for soaking up all that amazing sauce. Enjoy your delicious creation!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't rush the caramelization of the onions; it's the foundation of the flavor.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
03 -
Swiss cheese makes a good substitute for Gruyère if needed.
04 -
Serve these meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
large mixing bowl
03 -
cheese grater
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 30-35g