These French Onion Meatballs are a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Bursting with flavor, these meatballs are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or cozy evenings at home, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of savory onion sauce, sherry, and melted cheeses elevates this dish to something special, making it a standout recipe for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor: The combination of caramelized onions and rich beef stock creates an unforgettable taste.
- Cheesy Goodness: Topped with gooey Gruyere and mozzarella cheese, each bite is a cheesy delight.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these meatballs without stress.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them over mashed potatoes, in a sandwich, or with crusty bread for dipping.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve these meatballs in their beautiful sauce for an elegant touch at any meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your French onion meatballs, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large bowl
- Cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Garlic press
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Large bowl: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly without mess.
- Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for browning the meatballs and caramelizing the onions perfectly.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform meatball sizes for even cooking.
- Garlic press: Makes it easy to incorporate fresh garlic into your recipe quickly.
Ingredients
These French onion meatballs are nestled into a rich, savory onion sauce kissed with sherry, then topped with Gruyere and mozzarella cheeses!
- 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 1/2 pounds organic ground beef (85/15 ratio)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- Salt (about 1 teaspoon, or your desired amount)
- Black pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon, or your desired amount)
- 1/2 large white onion, finely minced
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- 3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese, divided use
- 1 egg, whisked
- 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided use
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
- 2 1/2 large white onions, halved and sliced
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup sherry (or white wine)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/4 cup beef stock
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
How to Make French Onion Meatballs
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Begin by gathering and prepping all of your meatball ingredients according to the ingredient list above to have ready and organized for use.
Step 2: Soak the Breadcrumbs
Place your breadcrumbs into a dish. Add the milk to them to soak for about five minutes. In the meantime, place your ground beef into a large bowl.
Step 3: Mix Meatball Ingredients
After the breadcrumbs have soaked:
1. Add them to the ground beef along with parsley, thyme, herbes de Provence, salt, pepper, minced onion, garlic, one-quarter cup of shredded Gruyere cheese, and the whisked egg.
2. Using clean hands, gently mix everything together until well combined but be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Form Meatballs
Scoop out two-tablespoon-size portions of the mixture (a cookie scoop works great) and place onto a tray. Wet your hands with water and roll each portion into a round meatball. Chill in the fridge for about fifteen minutes.
Step 5: Prepare French Onion Sauce Ingredients
Meanwhile, gather all of your French onion sauce ingredients according to the ingredient list above.
Step 6: Brown the Meatballs
Once chilled:
1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with two tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Add batches of meatballs to sear on all sides for about eight to ten minutes. Remove them onto a tray while browning the remaining meatballs.
Step 7: Caramelize Onions
In the same skillet:
1. If necessary add another two tablespoons of oil along with ghee or butter.
2. Once hot and melted, add sliced onions along with salt and pepper.
3. Cook down until caramelized—about twenty to twenty-five minutes—stirring frequently.
Step 8: Create the Sauce
Next:
1. Stir in garlic along with herbes de Provence and dried thyme until aromatic (about thirty seconds).
2. Add sherry or wine; let it bubble up for about thirty seconds.
3. Sprinkle in flour; stir for about thirty seconds before adding beef stock.
4. Whisk until smooth; allow sauce to simmer for five minutes.
Step 9: Broil Meatballs
Turn on broiler on high:
1. Turn off heat under sauce; stir in fresh thyme leaves.
2. Nestle browned meatballs back in pan; top with Gruyere and mozzarella cheeses.
3. Place under broiler for five to seven minutes until cheese is melty.
Step 10: Serve
To serve:
Sprinkle additional thyme leaves as garnish over meatballs. Spoon three to four meatballs along with plenty of sauce into bowls to enjoy warm bread or over hot mashed potatoes if desired.
Enjoy these flavorful French onion meatballs, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve French Onion Meatballs
French onion meatballs are a delightful dish full of flavor and texture. They can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
With Toasted Bread
- Serve the meatballs on slices of warm, toasted bread for a satisfying bite. The crispy bread complements the savory sauce perfectly.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Spoon the meatballs and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes. This classic pairing makes for a hearty meal that is sure to please.
In a Submarine Roll
- Place the meatballs in a soft sub roll, topping them with extra cheese. This creates an indulgent meatball sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
With a Green Salad
- Pairing the meatballs with a fresh salad provides balance. The crisp greens cut through the richness of the dish, making it lighter.
As Appetizers
- Serve smaller portions as appetizers at gatherings. Skewering them with toothpicks makes them easy to enjoy while mingling.
With Pasta
- Toss the meatballs and sauce with cooked pasta for an Italian twist. This combination creates a filling and comforting meal option.
How to Perfect French Onion Meatballs
To make your French onion meatballs even more delicious, follow these helpful tips.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme enhances the flavor profile significantly compared to dried herbs. It adds brightness and depth to the dish.
Don’t overmix: When mixing the meatball ingredients, gently combine them. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs instead of tender ones.
Sear properly: Ensure you sear the meatballs well before adding them to the sauce. A golden-brown crust adds flavor and texture.
Caramelize onions slowly: Take your time when caramelizing onions; this brings out their natural sweetness. Stir frequently for an even cook.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving. Adding salt or pepper at this stage can elevate the overall taste of your dish.
Broil for perfect cheese: Broiling at the end ensures your cheese gets bubbly and golden without overcooking the meatballs themselves.
Best Side Dishes for French Onion Meatballs
Pairing French onion meatballs with complementary side dishes enhances their flavors and adds variety to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every drop of sauce from your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a healthy contrast to the rich flavors of the meatballs.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs sauces well, making it a great base for serving alongside.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, balancing out the savory richness of the dish.
- Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add color and freshness, complementing your meal beautifully.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are fun to dip into sauce, adding a playful element to your dining experience.
- Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb option, cauliflower mash serves as a creamy alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies provides a nutritious side that pairs nicely with hearty flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making French onion meatballs, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using dry breadcrumbs – Fresh breadcrumbs provide better moisture and texture. If using dry ones, consider soaking them longer in milk.
- Overmixing the meatball mixture – Mixing too much can lead to tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed for tenderness.
- Skipping the chilling step – Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them hold their shape. Don’t skip this important step.
- Not caramelizing onions enough – Properly caramelized onions add depth of flavor. Take your time and cook them until dark and jammy.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments – Taste your mixture before forming meatballs. Adjust salt and pepper to ensure they are well-seasoned.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing French Onion Meatballs
- Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating French Onion Meatballs
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Use medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Stovetop – Gently reheat over medium heat with a splash of broth or sauce to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making French onion meatballs:
What makes French Onion Meatballs special?
French onion meatballs combine the rich flavors of caramelized onions with savory beef, creating a comforting dish that’s full of flavor.
Can I use other types of cheese with French Onion Meatballs?
Yes! While Gruyere and mozzarella are traditional, you can also experiment with Swiss or provolone cheese for different flavors.
How do I make my French Onion Meatballs gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure any sauces or stocks used are gluten-free as well.
Can I make French Onion Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
These French onion meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Their rich flavor profile and gooey cheese topping make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste. Enjoy them with warm bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a heartwarming meal!
French Onion Meatballs
Indulge in the savory goodness of French Onion Meatballs, a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. These meaty bites are enveloped in a rich onion gravy, accented with sherry and topped with delightful melted cheeses. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, they bring warmth and flavor to your table. Serve them over mashed potatoes, in a sub roll, or simply with crusty bread for dipping—no matter how you enjoy them, they’re sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds organic ground beef
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 large white onion, minced
- 2 1/2 large white onions, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, pressed
- 3/4 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
- 1/4 cup sherry
- Fresh thyme
- Parsley
- Herbes de Provence
Instructions
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk for five minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine soaked breadcrumbs with ground beef, minced onion, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, Gruyere cheese, and egg; mix gently.
- Form mixture into meatballs and chill for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet; sear meatballs until browned on all sides and set aside.
- In the same skillet, caramelize sliced onions until golden brown; add garlic and herbs.
- Pour in sherry and beef stock; thicken with flour and simmer.
- Nestle meatballs back into the sauce; top with cheeses and broil until melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
