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Cheesy French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 83 reviews

Cheesy French Onion Meatballs are a savory and comforting dish featuring tender beef meatballs infused with classic French onion flavors. The meatballs are cooked until golden, then simmered in a rich caramelized onion and beef broth sauce, finished with melted Gruyère cheese for a gooey, cheesy topping. Perfect as a hearty main course, this recipe combines the deep sweetness of caramelized onions with the umami of Worcestershire sauce, creating a delicious twist on traditional meatballs.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 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

For the Sauce and Finishing:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients gently but thoroughly until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Then, shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs and set them aside on a plate or tray.
  2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned evenly on all sides, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. After browning, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside to keep warm.
  3. Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet, add the butter and allow it to melt. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle the sugar over them to aid caramelization. Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring often, until they turn a deep golden brown and become soft and sweet. This process can take about 15 to 20 minutes, so patience is key to developing flavor.
  4. Make the Sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat them, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps, then add the Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly.
  5. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the onion sauce. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring they cook through and absorb the flavorful sauce.
  6. Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the meatballs and onions. Cover the skillet again and allow the cheese to melt, about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the cheese is gooey and melted, remove from heat.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the cheesy meatballs for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot as a comforting main dish alongside mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a green salad.

Notes

  • For best caramelized onions, cook slowly over medium to medium-low heat to develop natural sweetness without burning.
  • Using breadcrumbs helps keep the meatballs tender and moist.
  • If you prefer a milder cheese flavor, Swiss cheese is a good alternative to Gruyère.
  • Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before cooking to save time.
  • Feel free to add fresh thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an herby twist.
  • Make sure meatballs are cooked through—internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

Keywords: French onion meatballs, cheesy meatballs, caramelized onions, beef meatballs recipe, comfort food, Gruyère cheese meatballs

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/cheesy-french-onion-meatballs-recipe/