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French Onion Meatballs

Featured in Comforting Soups & Stews.

Cooked these French onion meatballs last night and they were amazing! Let the onions get super caramelly first then added the meatballs to cook in all that flavor. Put cheese on top and let it get all melty. The sauce was so rich we kept dunking bread in it. Kids said they were better than regular meatballs. Made enough for leftovers but they disappeared at lunch today. Perfect comfort food when its cold outside.
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Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:07:49 GMT
A skillet of cheesy meatballs garnished with fresh herbs in a flavorful sauce. Pin it
A skillet of cheesy meatballs garnished with fresh herbs in a flavorful sauce. | lastminrecipes.com

Cozy French Onion Meatballs That Taste Like Home

Let me share my favorite comfort food mashup French onion meatballs. I've combined everything we love about French onion soup with tender juicy meatballs smothered in rich caramelized onion sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese. It's pure comfort in every bite especially when you serve it with crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce.

Why These French Onion Meatballs Are Pure Magic

These meatballs take everything wonderful about French onion soup and turn it into a hearty meal. The combination of savory meatballs that deep rich onion sauce and that blanket of melted cheese creates something truly special. Whether you serve it with bread for dipping or over creamy mashed potatoes it's guaranteed to become a family favorite.

What Goes In The Pan

  • Ground Beef: I use organic grass fed beef for the best flavor and juiciness.
  • Fresh Thyme: Adds that perfect herb note throughout.
  • Gruyere and Mozzarella Cheese: One for flavor one for that perfect melt.
  • Caramelized Onions: Take your time here they're worth it.
  • Sherry: Just a splash makes the sauce sing.
  • Herbes de Provence: My secret for that French bistro flavor.
A cast iron skillet filled with cheese-covered meatballs garnished with herbs in a savory sauce. Pin it
A cast iron skillet filled with cheese-covered meatballs garnished with herbs in a savory sauce. | lastminrecipes.com

Let's Cook Together

Start With Your Meatballs
Mix everything for your meatballs gently roll them and pop them in the fridge to chill they'll hold together better.
Get Them Golden
Brown those meatballs in a nice heavy skillet until they're beautifully colored all over.
Make That Sauce
Take your time with the onions cooking them low and slow until they're deep golden and sweet.
Build The Flavors
Add your aromatics sherry and beef stock let it all simmer into something wonderful.
The Grand Finale
Nestle those meatballs back in top with cheese and let it get all melty under the broiler.

My Kitchen Secrets

Soak your breadcrumbs in milk first it makes the most tender meatballs. Don't skip chilling them it really helps them stay together while cooking. Take your time with those onions rushing them just isn't the same. No sherry? Extra beef stock works beautifully too.

Make It A Meal

I love serving these French onion meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for soaking up every drop of sauce. Add a simple green salad and you've got the perfect cozy dinner ready to go.

A cast iron skillet filled with browned meatballs simmering in a savory sauce with onions and garnished with herbs. Pin it
A cast iron skillet filled with browned meatballs simmering in a savory sauce with onions and garnished with herbs. | lastminrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why chill the meatballs before cooking?

Chilling helps them hold their shape better during searing and prevents them from falling apart.

→ Can I make the onion sauce ahead?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day ahead. Reheat gently before adding meatballs and cheese.

→ Why use both Gruyere and mozzarella?

Gruyere provides flavor while mozzarella gives the perfect melty, stretchy texture.

→ What's the best way to serve these?

Serve over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

→ Can I use pre-made meatballs?

While homemade is best for flavor, you can use pre-made meatballs to save time.

French Onion Meatballs

Tender meatballs nestled in a rich caramelized onion sauce, topped with melted Gruyere and mozzarella cheese. A French onion soup inspired main dish.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French-American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 pan)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1½ pounds ground beef (85/15).
02 1½ cups fresh breadcrumbs.
03 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk.
04 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped.
05 1 teaspoon fresh thyme.
06 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence.
07 1 teaspoon salt.
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
09 1/2 large white onion, minced.
10 4 cloves garlic, pressed.
11 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese, divided.
12 1 egg, whisked.
13 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded.
14 4 tablespoons olive oil.
15 2 tablespoons ghee or butter.
16 2½ large white onions, sliced.
17 4 cloves garlic, pressed.
18 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence.
19 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
20 1/4 cup sherry or white wine.
21 1½ tablespoons flour.
22 2¼ cups beef stock.
23 2 teaspoons fresh thyme.
24 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix breadcrumbs with milk, soak 5 minutes.

Step 02

Combine with beef and meatball ingredients.

Step 03

Form 2-tablespoon meatballs, chill 15 minutes.

Step 04

Brown meatballs in oil, set aside.

Step 05

In same pan, add oil and butter, cook onions 20-25 minutes until caramelized.

Step 06

Add garlic and herbs, cook 30 seconds.

Step 07

Add sherry, reduce 30 seconds.

Step 08

Stir in flour, then beef stock, simmer sauce 5 minutes.

Step 09

Add thyme and meatballs, top with cheeses.

Step 10

Broil 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.

Notes

  1. Serve with bread or mashed potatoes.
  2. Sauce can be made ahead.
  3. Use wet hands to form meatballs.
  4. Chilling helps meatballs hold shape.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan.
  • Cookie scoop.
  • Garlic press.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese, butter).
  • Wheat (breadcrumbs).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 669
  • Total Fat: 45 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 38 g