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French Onion Meatballs Recipe

This French Onion Meatballs Recipe is SO DELICIOUS! Juicy beef meatballs simmered in savory broth, topped with melted Gruyère cheese for ultimate comfort food.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef lean or regular
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 cup beef broth for simmering
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese for topping

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Mix until just combined.
  • Shape the mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs, placing them on a plate or baking sheet. This recipe yields about 18-20 meatballs.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  • Pour the beef broth into the skillet and scrape up browned bits. Return the meatballs to the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
  • Preheat your oven’s broiler. Transfer the meatballs and broth to a baking dish if needed. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the meatballs. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
  • Serve hot, spooning some of the flavorful broth over the meatballs. Enjoy with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Large Skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Baking Dish
  • Oven Broiler

Notes

  • Use ground beef about 80% lean for juicy, tender meatballs without excess grease.
  • Caramelize onions separately for a deeper onion flavor before mixing into meatballs.
  • Don’t skip Worcestershire sauce; it adds essential umami richness.
  • Adjust meatball size and cooking time to preference; smaller meatballs cook faster.
  • Use freshly grated Gruyère cheese for best melting and flavor quality.