FRENCH ONION MEATBALLS
French Onion Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a rich caramelized onion and cheese sauce. This cozy, comforting dish brings all the flavors of French onion soup in delicious meatball form.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon thyme fresh or dried
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Make the Meatballs:
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix and shape into 1-inch balls.
Brown the Meatballs:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions:
- In the same pan, melt butter. Add onions and sugar, cooking slowly for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized.
Make the Sauce:
- Sprinkle flour over onions, stir, then add beef broth and thyme. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve:
- Return meatballs to the skillet, cover with sauce, and sprinkle cheese on top. Broil or cover until melted and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cook and store meatballs and sauce separately. Reheat together before serving.
- Customizing the Flavor: Add mushrooms or a splash of sherry for an extra-rich sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread.
- Allergy-Friendly Options: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven.