French Onion Meatballs: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

French Onion Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings together the rich flavors of caramelized onions and savory meat. As a lover of both French cuisine and comfort food, I find that these meatballs not only satisfy my cravings but also evoke a sense of nostalgia. The origins of French onion soup date back to the 18th century, and it has since evolved into various forms, including these scrumptious meatballs that pay homage to its roots.

People adore French Onion Meatballs for their incredible taste and texture. The combination of tender, juicy meatballs infused with the sweet, savory essence of French onion soup creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to prepare, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, French Onion Meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends, leaving them asking for seconds!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Preparing the Meatballs

Let’s start by making the meatballs. This is the heart of the dish, and I love how the flavors meld together.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. I like to use a mix of meats for added flavor and texture.
2. Add the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. The breadcrumbs will help bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
3. Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. I usually sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil for about 5 minutes before adding them to the mixture. This step enhances their sweetness and flavor.
4. Crack the egg into the bowl, then add the Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. The Worcestershire sauce adds a nice umami flavor that complements the meat.
5. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
6. Once mixed, I like to form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can use a cookie scoop for uniformity, or just roll them by hand.

Cooking the Meatballs

Now that we have our meatballs ready, it’s time to cook them. I prefer baking them for a healthier option, but you can also pan-fry them if you like a crispy exterior.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the meatballs through while giving them a nice golden color.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking.
3. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly. This allows them to cook evenly.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can also broil them for the last 2-3 minutes for a nice browning effect.

Preparing the French Onion Sauce

While the meatballs are baking, let’s prepare the French onion sauce. This sauce is what makes this dish truly special!

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the remaining chopped onion. Sauté the onions for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavor of the sauce.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Pour in the beef broth and French onion soup. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds even more flavor to the sauce.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If you want a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a bit longer.

Assembling the Dish

Now that everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble our French Onion Meatballs!

1. Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the skillet with the French

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these French Onion Meatballs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game. The rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions combined with tender, juicy meatballs create a dish that is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, nestled in a warm sub roll with melted cheese, or simply on their own as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends. Feel free to get creative with variations! You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor, or even swap out the beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating some grated cheese into the meatball mixture for a gooey surprise in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Trust me, these French Onion Meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your household, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy them as much as I do! Print
   

   French Onion Meatballs: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Recipe

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   • Author: Lily
   • Total Time: 50 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings

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   Description

   Deliciously tender meatballs made with ground beef and pork, baked and served in a rich French onion sauce, topped with melted Gruyère cheese. A comforting dish perfect for dinner!

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   Ingredients

   • Ground beef
   • Ground pork
   • Shredded Gruyère cheese
   • Chopped parsley

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   Instructions

   1. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to coat them evenly.
   2. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs and sauce. You can add more cheese if you like it extra cheesy!
   3. Cover the skillet and let it cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   4. Serve the French Onion Meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

   Notes

   • You can substitute the ground pork with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
   • If you prefer a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based meat alternatives.
   • The meatballs can also be made ahead of time and frozen for later use.
   • Just bake them, let them cool, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer.
   • When ready to serve, thaw and reheat in the sauce.

   • Prep Time: 20 minutes
   • Cook Time: 5 minutes