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French Onion Meatballs
Sofia

French Onion Meatballs

Juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, savory French onion-style gravy and topped with melted cheese. Comforting, flavorful, and perfect served with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French-Inspired / American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning
  • For the French Onion Gravy:
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ tsp dried
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese for topping
  • Chopped parsley for garnish, optional

Method
 

  1. Make the Meatballs:
  2. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs.
  3. Brown the Meatballs:
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through). Remove and set aside.
  5. Caramelize the Onions:
  6. In the same skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Add onions and sugar. Cook on medium heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden.
  7. Build the Gravy:
  8. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in beef broth and Worcestershire. Add thyme and bring to a simmer.
  9. Simmer Meatballs:
  10. Return browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and gravy has thickened.
  11. Add Cheese & Broil:
  12. Preheat broiler. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs and place skillet under broiler for 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. Serve:
  14. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, noodles, or toasted bread.

Notes

  • Make ahead: Brisket can be cooked a day in advance and reheated in its juices.
  • Spicy option: Add hot sauce or cayenne to the BBQ mix for extra heat.
  • Serving ideas: Great with coleslaw, baked beans, corn on the cob, or potato salad.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months.