Easy French Onion Meatballs Recipe with Rich Caramelized Onions and Cheese – A Flavor Explosion

There’s something deeply satisfying about tender meatballs simmered in a rich, caramelized onion sauce, topped with gooey, melted cheese. This French Onion Meatballs recipe is a twist on the classic French onion soup that’s so good it just might make you want to slap your mama! The dish brings together savory beef, sweet onions, and a decadent cheesy topping that’s sure to have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Photo byInsanelyGoodRecipes

I first stumbled upon this recipe on the Insanely Good Recipes website, and let me tell you – it’s an absolute winner. If you’re a fan of classic French onion soup, these meatballs will feel like a comforting and indulgent new take on a beloved favorite. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, these meatballs are packed with layers of flavor, from the juicy beef to the caramelized onions and the melty Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses.

A Brief History Behind the Dish

French onion soup has been a culinary staple in French cuisine for centuries. This rich and savory dish has been adapted into various forms over time, including this French Onion Meatballs recipe. The caramelization of onions is a hallmark of French cooking, and combining that with tender meatballs creates an irresistible fusion of flavors. This dish takes that tradition to the next level, adding protein and making it a more hearty, satisfying meal.

Now, let’s get into the magic of this recipe!

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
• ½ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning

For the French onion sauce:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup dry sherry or white wine
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Once fully combined, shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown them on all sides. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
   Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter and olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the sliced onions and salt, stirring frequently. Cook until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes. This slow-cooking process gives the onions their deep, sweet flavor.
4. Create the Sauce:
   Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute, allowing the raw flour taste to cook out. Pour in the sherry or white wine, simmering until it’s nearly evaporated, about 1 minute. Then, stir in the beef broth and thyme leaves, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
   Nestle the browned meatballs into the sauce, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Sprinkle Gruyère and mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs.
6. Broil to Perfection:
   Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve Hot:
   Garnish with fresh thyme and serve these French Onion Meatballs piping hot. Pair with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce, or serve over mashed potatoes for a full meal.

Variations and Cooking Tips

• Vegetarian Option:
  Swap out the ground beef for plant-based ground meat substitutes. The rest of the recipe remains the same, allowing you to enjoy the same rich, oniony flavor with a vegetarian twist.
• Gluten-Free Variation:
  Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly version of these meatballs.
• Pairing Suggestions:
  These meatballs are fantastic with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or crusty French bread, which soaks up the oniony, cheesy sauce perfectly. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette would also complement the richness of this dish.

Cooking Pro Tips:

• Patience with Onions: The key to this recipe’s depth of flavor is in the caramelized onions. Don’t rush this step! Give the onions plenty of time to slowly cook and develop their natural sweetness.
• Cheese Perfection: For an extra bubbly and golden topping, make sure your oven is fully preheated before broiling the cheese. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

This recipe will quickly become a household favorite with its comforting and familiar flavors. Whether you’re serving it for a special family dinner or just a cozy night at home, these French Onion Meatballs are bound to impress.

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