Name: Cheesy French Onion Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
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)

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Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy French Onion Meatballs are the perfect dish for anyone seeking comfort food. They combine the warm flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of meatballs, making them an ideal family dinner or a cozy meal for yourself. Plus, they are packed with cheesy goodness that everyone will love!

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:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix together until well combined.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a plate.

Cook the Meatballs:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Make the French Onion Sauce:

In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.

Combine and Simmer:

Add the beef broth, white wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and flour to the onions. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Return the meatballs to the skillet and let everything simmer together for another 10-15 minutes.

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the meatballs and sauce. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt for about 5 minutes.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your Cheesy French Onion Meatballs with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes!

How to Serve Cheesy French Onion Meatballs

These meatballs can be served in a bowl with extra sauce, over pasta, or with a side of crusty bread for dipping. They also make a fantastic appetizer when served in small portions.

How to Store Cheesy French Onion Meatballs

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Cheesy French Onion Meatballs

Make sure to let the onions caramelize properly for that sweet flavor.
If you want a bit of spice, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.

Variation

If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can substitute the Gruyère or Swiss cheese with mozzarella or cheddar cheese. For a different twist, try adding sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth.

FAQs

Can I freeze Cheesy French Onion Meatballs?
Yes! Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze the meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Do I have to use wine in this recipe?
No, the white wine is optional. If you prefer not to use it, you can simply add extra beef broth instead.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them before cooking. They can also be cooked one day in advance and reheated before serving.