French Onion Meatballs

French onion meatballs combine all the comforting flavors of French onion soup with juicy, flavorful meatballs. These tender meatballs are smothered in a rich, caramelized onion gravy and topped with melty Gruyère or Swiss cheese. They’re perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes the classic flavors of French onion soup and transforms them into a hearty, protein-packed meal. The slow-cooked caramelized onions add a deep, rich flavor, while the melted cheese creates an irresistible topping. It’s also easy to prepare, making it great for weeknights while still feeling special enough for entertaining. Plus, the meatballs can be served over mashed potatoes, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up all that delicious onion gravy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Onion Gravy:

2 tbsp butter

2 large onions, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp sugar

1 tsp balsamic vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups beef broth

1/2 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

1 tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs:

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked through.

Caramelize the Onions:

While the meatballs bake, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown.

Stir in the balsamic vinegar and garlic, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.

Make the Gravy:

Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions, stirring to coat.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it thicken for about 5 minutes.

Add the baked meatballs to the skillet, spooning the rich onion gravy over them.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover the skillet until the cheese is melted.

Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the gravy for a richer, creamier texture.

Use a different protein: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the meatball mixture for a hint of heat.

Cheese options: Instead of Gruyère or Swiss, try provolone or mozzarella for a gooier melt.

Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and substitute cornstarch for flour in the gravy.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Related Recipes:

• Easy Sweet and Sour Meatballs
• Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo Meatballs

FAQs

How do I prevent my meatballs from being dry?

I make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture, as that can lead to tough meatballs. Using enough fat in the beef (at least 80/20) and adding breadcrumbs and egg helps keep them juicy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The meatballs and caramelized onions can be made a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, heat them together with the gravy.

What should I serve with French onion meatballs?

I love serving them over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious gravy. A side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also pairs well.

Can I cook the meatballs in the gravy instead of baking them?

Yes! After shaping the meatballs, brown them in a skillet, then simmer them in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes until cooked through.

How do I properly caramelize onions?

Patience is key. I cook them slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they develop a deep golden-brown color. Adding a pinch of sugar helps speed up the process and enhances the sweetness.

Conclusion

French onion meatballs bring the classic comfort of French onion soup into a hearty, satisfying dish. With juicy meatballs, rich caramelized onion gravy, and melted cheese, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread, this meal is sure to become a favorite.

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