French Onion Meatballs

$- 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup French onions (caramelized) - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese For this French Onion Meatballs recipe, you need ground beef as the base. It gives the meatballs a rich flavor. Caramelized onions add sweetness and depth. You can use store-bought or make your own. Next, breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. They give a nice texture. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. The egg holds everything together. For flavor, I use garlic and thyme. They bring warmth to the dish. Gruyère cheese is the star topping. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create a comforting meal. The blend of flavors will surely impress anyone you serve! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef and 1 cup of caramelized onions. - Add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 large egg. - Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt and black pepper to taste. - Mix everything with your hands until well combined. - Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. - Place each meatball on the lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. - Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes until they are golden and cooked through. To make your meatballs tender, use a mix of meat and fat. This adds flavor and moisture. Lean ground beef can be dry. Try a blend with some fat content, like 80/20 beef. Do not overmix your meatball mixture. Mixing too much makes them tough. Just mix until you see no dry spots. This helps keep them light and fluffy! For perfect caramelized onions, cook them low and slow. Use medium heat and take about 20-30 minutes. Stir them often to avoid burning. The goal is a golden brown color and sweet flavor. You can choose store-bought or homemade caramelized onions. Store-bought saves time, but homemade tastes fresher. If you have time, I suggest making them from scratch. You’ll love the flavor boost! Serve your meatballs with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes. They pair well with these sides, especially on a chilly night. If you have leftovers, reheat them gently. Avoid the microwave as it can dry them out. Instead, warm them on the stove in a pan with a splash of beef broth. This keeps them moist and flavorful! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest ground beef and high-quality cheese for the best flavor in your meatballs. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick! Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Broil for Perfect Cheese: Keep an eye on the broiler while melting the cheese, as it can burn quickly. You want it bubbly and golden, not charred. {{image_4}} You can change up the meat in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options make the dish lighter but still tasty. For a vegetarian twist, use lentils or mushrooms. Both are hearty and soak up the flavors nicely. Adding different cheeses can boost the taste. Mozzarella or cheddar can make your meatballs creamier. You can also mix in herbs or spices. Try adding rosemary or paprika for more depth. This small change can take your dish to the next level. There are many fun ways to serve these meatballs. You can make meatball subs. Just place them in a bun with some broth. They also pair well with pasta or rice. This makes a full meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color! To keep your French onion meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the meatballs cool to room temperature first. They will last in the fridge for up to three days. Always label your container with the date so you know when to use them. You can freeze meatballs before or after cooking. If you freeze them raw, shape the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. For cooked meatballs, let them cool before placing them in a container. They will stay fresh for up to three months. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave them for a quicker option. When thawing frozen meatballs, do it in the fridge overnight. This keeps them safe. If you need them fast, you can microwave them on low. Always reheat meatballs to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for storage. They are safe and won’t leach chemicals. Yes, you can! Gruyère adds a nice nutty flavor, but other cheeses work well too. Try mozzarella for a creamy melt or cheddar for a sharp taste. You can also use Swiss cheese for a similar flavor profile. Each will give your meatballs a different twist. Making these meatballs gluten-free is simple. Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers. Just check the labels for any hidden gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. Absolutely! You can make meatballs a day ahead. Just prepare them, then store in the fridge. They will stay fresh in an airtight container. When you're ready to cook, bake them as instructed. This makes it easy to enjoy a delicious meal with less stress. In this post, we explored how to make tasty French Onion Meatballs. You learned about key ingredients, like beef and caramelized onions, as well as how to shape and bake them. We also shared tips for making them tender, variations for different diets, and storage advice. With these easy steps and tips, you can impress your family and friends with this delicious dish. Enjoy making and sharing your French Onion Meatballs!$

Delicious meatballs infused with caramelized French onions and topped with melted Gruyère cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine French

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 cup French onions (caramelized, store-bought or homemade)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
to taste salt
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (for topping)
to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, caramelized French onions, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly golden.
In a saucepan, combine the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
Transfer the baked meatballs into the saucepan with the simmering broth and let them soak for about 5 minutes.
Preheat your oven's broiler. Transfer the meatballs and broth into an oven-safe dish and sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the top. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.

Keyword cheese, French onion, meatballs