Cheesy French Onion Meatballs: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy French Onion Meatballs bring together two beloved comfort foods: juicy meatballs and rich French onion soup. This dish is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends and family. The blend of flavors from the onions, beef, and melted cheese makes it a hit for both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight meals!

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:

1. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Shape this mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs:

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Make the French Onion Sauce:

5. In the same skillet, add butter and sliced onions. Sauté for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized.
6. Stir in the sugar to help the onions brown and then sprinkle flour over the onions. Cook for another minute.
7. Gradually add the beef broth and white wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.

Combine and Simmer:

8. Add the browned meatballs back into the skillet and let everything simmer together for about 10 minutes.

Add the Cheese:

9. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the meatballs and cover the skillet until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve:

10. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with crusty bread or over pasta.

How to Serve Cheesy French Onion Meatballs

Cheesy French Onion Meatballs are best served warm. You can enjoy them on their own, with some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or over a bed of pasta or rice for a heartier meal. A side salad also pairs nicely!

How to Store Cheesy French Onion Meatballs

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to freeze them, make sure to let them cool first, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Cheesy French Onion Meatballs

• For extra flavor, add some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary when cooking the onions.
• If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Make sure to monitor the heat when caramelizing the onions to prevent burning.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe. Try adding mushrooms to the onion sauce for added texture or substitute the cheese with your favorite melting cheese. For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made meatballs?
Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs for a quicker option. Just prepare the French onion sauce and combine them in the skillet to heat through.

Can I skip the wine?
Absolutely! The wine adds depth, but you can use additional beef broth if you’d like to omit it.

How do I ensure my meatballs stay juicy?
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, and try not to cook them for too long in the pan—remove them as soon as they’re browned.