These French Onion Meatballs are a warm hug on a plate! They are made with juicy meatballs cooked in a rich, savory onion gravy that makes your taste buds dance.
Trust me, the flavor is so good, you might want to slather it on everything you eat! 😂 I love serving these meatballs over mashed potatoes or pasta for a cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Pork: This combination gives great flavor and texture. If you want a leaner option, you can swap the pork for ground turkey or chicken. I personally love the flavor that the pork brings, but it’s totally fine to adjust based on your preference!
Caramelized Onions: These are essential for that rich onion flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought French onion dip or soup. However, nothing beats the depth of flavor from homemade caramelized onions, which I always recommend making fresh.
Breadcrumbs: I used regular breadcrumbs for this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, choose gluten-free breadcrumbs, or make your own by blending gluten-free bread. I sometimes add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs for an extra kick!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a lovely, salty flavor. If you’re looking for something more accessible, Pecorino Romano works well. I also like to mix in a bit of mozzarella for a gooey topping when broiling.
White Wine: It adds depth to the broth. If you’re avoiding alcohol, use more beef broth or a splash of lemon juice for brightness. I’ve done both and the flavors still come through beautifully!
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is a game-changer for flavor, but it requires patience. Start with medium heat to cook them slowly and allow their natural sugars to develop. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet and add a bit of oil or butter.
- Add sliced onions and a sprinkle of salt.
- Cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
- Once they are soft and golden, they are perfect for these meatballs!
Remember, the longer you caramelize, the sweeter and richer the flavor will be. I often make a big batch so I can use them in various dishes throughout the week!
How to Make French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 cup French onions (caramelized)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Baguette slices for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to cook, including baking and simmering. So, you can enjoy a delicious meal in about 50 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your meatballs will bake perfectly!
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, caramelized onions, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and nutmeg. Mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until well combined. It should be a nice, sticky mixture.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Take a small handful of the mixture and shape it into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
Pop the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. They should be browned and cooked through when they’re done. You can check by cutting one in half!
5. Prepare the Sauce:
While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the beef broth and the white wine (if using), and bring it to a simmer. This will create a delicious base for your meatballs.
6. Simmer the Meatballs:
When the meatballs are ready, carefully transfer them from the baking sheet to the skillet with the broth mixture. Let them simmer for 5-10 minutes. This step helps the meatballs soak up all those yummy flavors!
7. Broil for Extra Flavor:
If you like a cheesy topping, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the meatballs and place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your French onion meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and be sure to have some baguette slices on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful creation!
## FAQ for French Onion Meatballs
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! If you’d like to make this dish with other ground meats, turkey or chicken can work well as healthier alternatives. Just note that the flavor and texture might be slightly different, so feel free to add a bit more seasoning if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make these meatballs gluten-free! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers as an alternative for binding the meatballs.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance. Just mix everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to form the meatballs and bake them. You can also cook the meatballs ahead of time and simply reheat them in the beef broth mixture before serving.
