These French Onion Meatballs take all the cozy flavors of classic French onion soup and transform them into a hearty, comforting dinner. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a caramelized onion sauce, then topped with gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food. This recipe is family-friendly, easy enough for a weeknight, and delicious enough for special gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a savory onion sauce
- A fun twist on classic French onion soup
- Easy, one-pan comfort food perfect for fall or winter
- Family-friendly and budget-friendly meal idea
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Gruyere cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Shape into 20–22 meatballs.
- Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- While meatballs bake, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until golden and caramelized (about 20–25 minutes).
- Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer baked meatballs into the skillet with onion gravy. Spoon sauce over meatballs to coat.
- Sprinkle cheese on top. Cover and cook for 5 minutes on low until cheese melts.
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option
- Add mushrooms to the onion gravy for extra flavor
- Use Gruyere for a traditional French onion soup flavor, or mozzarella for a budget-friendly option
- Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months
- Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the onion gravy
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or rice
- Add a side salad or roasted vegetables for balance
- Enjoy with sparkling water, iced tea, or lemonade for a refreshing pairing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make French Onion Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the meatballs and caramelize the onions a day ahead. Combine and heat before serving.
Do I need to caramelize the onions fully?
Yes, that’s where the flavor comes from. Take the time to cook them slowly for best results.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, but homemade gives the best flavor. If using frozen, simmer them longer in the gravy.
What cheese works best?
Gruyere is traditional, but mozzarella or provolone are excellent budget-friendly options.
Ready to Make It?
These French Onion Meatballs are cozy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. They’re the perfect comfort food for chilly nights and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Try them for your next dinner, save the recipe for later, or share with friends who love hearty meals.
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Juicy French Onion Meatballs
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
French Onion Meatballs combine juicy beef meatballs with a rich caramelized onion gravy and gooey melted cheese. Comfort food with a twist, perfect for weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
1 ½ lbs ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (alcohol-free)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella or Gruyere cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, onion, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Shape into 20–22 meatballs.
3. Bake meatballs for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, caramelize onions in butter over medium heat (20–25 minutes).
5. Add garlic, Worcestershire, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
6. Add meatballs to skillet with onion gravy, spooning sauce over them.
7. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and melt for 5 minutes.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Tips:
– Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs.
– Add mushrooms for extra depth in the gravy.
– Gruyere is traditional; mozzarella works well too.
Storage:
– Refrigerate up to 4 days.
– Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, French Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg