Name: French Onion Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: French-Inspired / American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or half beef + half pork); ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp butter; 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme); 1 tbsp flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (for topping)

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If you are craving a dish that combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with the hearty satisfaction of classic meatballs, then this French Onion Meatballs Recipe is exactly what you need. These juicy meatballs simmer in a luscious French onion gravy and finish off with a golden melted cheese topping, delivering a cozy, indulgent dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite that you’ll want to turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and a white bowl arranged on a white marbled surface. In these bowls, there is bright red ground meat with a coarse texture, pale yellow shredded cheese, thin white onion slices, light tan brown sugar, and a white powder, all neatly separated. Next to them are a dark brown liquid in a small glass container, a whole white egg, a square piece of light yellow butter in a small white dish, and a clear glass pitcher filled with light brown broth. In front of these are three small white spoons containing three different powders: one white, one light brown, and one darker brown. The composition is clean and organized, giving a clear view of each ingredient. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture in your French Onion Meatballs Recipe. From the savory ground meat and aromatic seasonings in the meatballs to the sweet caramelized onions and rich beef broth in the gravy, every element plays an important role in making this dish a standout.

1 lb ground beef (or half beef + half pork): Provides juicy, tender meatballs with a balanced flavor.
½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them light and moist.
1 egg: Acts as a natural glue to hold all ingredients together perfectly.
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds subtle nuttiness and depth to the meat mixture.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the meatballs with a savory, umami punch.
1 tsp garlic powder: Delivers warm, aromatic notes without overpowering.
1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor even before the gravy is added.
½ tsp salt: Balances and heightens all other flavors.
¼ tsp black pepper: Lends a mild heat to the seasoning mix.
2 tbsp butter: The essential fat for caramelizing the onions until golden and tender.
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced: The soul of this recipe, providing sweetness and complexity.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds fresh pungency to the rich onion base.
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried): Brings earthiness and an herbaceous balance to the gravy.
1 tbsp flour: Thickens the gravy into a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the meatballs.
2 cups beef broth: The rich liquid foundation of the French onion gravy.
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Gives additional depth and a touch of tang.
Salt & pepper, to taste: Fine-tunes the savory profile of the gravy.
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (for topping): Melts into a bubbly, golden crown that finishes the dish with flair.

How to Make French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Meatballs

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter and arrange them on the baking sheet with a little space between each. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until they are browned on the outside and nearly cooked through, ensuring a juicy center after simmering later.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions

While the meatballs bake, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they transform into deeply golden, caramelized strands packed with sweet and savory flavor. This step is crucial because the caramelized onions form the rich base of the French onion gravy that makes this dish truly special.

Step 3: Build the French Onion Gravy

Once the onions have caramelized, stir in the minced garlic and thyme, letting the fragrant aroma bloom for about 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and mix well to coat, which will help thicken the gravy. Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce while stirring continuously to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5 minutes until it slightly thickens into a rich sauce perfect for bathing the meatballs.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Gravy and Add Cheese

Add the baked meatballs directly into the skillet with the onion gravy. Cover the pan and let everything simmer together over low heat for 5 to 10 minutes to finish cooking the meatballs and let them soak up all the splendid flavors. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly on top, cover the skillet until the cheese melts luxuriously, or pop it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to create a bubbly and golden crust.

How to Serve French Onion Meatballs Recipe

The dish shows a white round pan filled with creamy melted cheese spread evenly across the base. On top, there are several brown meatballs, each topped with more melted cheese that looks soft and slightly stringy. The meatballs are evenly spaced in the pan, and small green herb pieces are scattered lightly over the cheese and meatballs, adding a fresh touch. The edges of the cheese near the pan are a little browned, showing a baked texture. The whole dish looks warm and creamy with a rich mix of white, brown, and green colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the cheese-topped meatballs for a pop of green and brightness. A few cracked black pepper flakes add visual contrast and a touch of bite that complements the richness.

Side Dishes

These French Onion Meatballs go brilliantly with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious gravy beautifully. Alternatively, serve with buttered egg noodles or a rustic crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to this hearty dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For an inviting presentation, arrange the meatballs in a shallow serving dish with the gravy spooned generously over them. Top with the melted cheese and garnish, then serve family-style so everyone can help themselves. You could also stuff the meatballs into small slider buns with extra gravy to make irresistible French onion meatball sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this French Onion Meatballs Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the meatballs are coated well with the onion gravy to keep them moist and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy separately or together in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. For best results, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and taste.

Reheating

Reheat leftover French onion meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, covered, to keep the moisture locked in. If the gravy has thickened too much, stir in a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up and restore that silky consistency.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used, but keep in mind the flavor will be milder and texture a bit leaner. Adding a bit of extra seasoning or fat like olive oil can help maintain juiciness.

How long do these French onion meatballs take to make?

The total prep and cooking time is around 55 minutes, with about 20 minutes of hands-on prep and the remainder simmering and baking. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Can I make the meatballs without cheese on top?

Absolutely! The cheese adds a lovely finish, but if you prefer or require a dairy-free version, the meatballs and French onion gravy are delicious on their own.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese is a great alternative, offering similar meltability and flavor. Monterey Jack or mozzarella can also work if you prefer a milder cheese that melts smoothly.

Can this recipe be gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour in the gravy with a gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry to keep it thick without gluten.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Meatballs Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both effortlessly comforting and impressively gourmet all at once. The combination of juicy meatballs with the deep, caramelized onion gravy and melted cheese topping creates a meal that invites you to sit down, relax, and savor every bite. Whether for family dinner or a special occasion, give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a true crowd-pleaser and a personal favorite for so many.

French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need