Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy French Onion Meatballs are a warm and hearty dish. They bring together the rich flavors of French onion soup and the comfort of meatballs, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The combination of caramelized onions, savory beef, and melted cheese creates a comforting meal that everyone will love.
How to Make Cheesy French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
Make the French Onion Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar.
- Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
Combine and Simmer:
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the caramelized onions and stir to mix.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pan to release any brown bits. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the meatballs back into the skillet.
Add the Cheese:
- Once the meatballs are heated through, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese, about 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve the cheesy meatballs warm, either on their own or with crusty bread.
How to Serve Cheesy French Onion Meatballs
Cheesy French Onion Meatballs are delicious served with toasted French bread or over egg noodles. You can also pair them with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. These meatballs can be the highlight of a cozy family dinner or a comforting dish on a chilly day.
How to Store Cheesy French Onion Meatballs
To store leftovers, place the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Cheesy French Onion Meatballs
- Don’t rush the caramelization: Take your time cooking the onions; slow cooking brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add extra cheese: For a cheesier dish, feel free to layer more cheese on top before serving.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings and spices according to your taste preferences.
Variation
You can customize these meatballs by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meatball mixture will also give extra flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, while Gruyère or Swiss cheese gives a great flavor, you can use mozzarella or cheddar if you prefer.
2. Is it necessary to use wine in the recipe?
No, the wine is optional. You can simply use more beef broth in place of the wine if you prefer not to include it.
3. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, store them in the refrigerator, then reheat when ready to serve.
Cheesy French Onion Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: None
Description
Warm and hearty Cheesy French Onion Meatballs combine the rich flavors of French onion soup with comforting meatballs for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar.
- Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the caramelized onions and stir to mix.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth and white wine (if using), scraping the bottom of the pan to release any brown bits. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the meatballs back into the skillet.
- Once the meatballs are heated through, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top.
- Cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Serve with toasted French bread, over egg noodles, or with a side salad.