French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Meatballs combine the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese with hearty ground beef meatballs. This comforting dish brings the essence of classic French onion soup into a satisfying, easy-to-make meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 oz onion soup mix (1 package, divided in half)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large yellow onions
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3/4 cup beef broth or water
• 4 oz Swiss cheese (sliced or shredded)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375˚F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, half of the onion soup mix (about 1 tablespoon), Worcestershire sauce, milk, and eggs. Mix well and roll into 18 meatballs, about 1.5 to 2 inches each.
3. Step 3: Heat an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When hot, add the meatballs and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add onions, butter, 1/4 cup beef broth, and the remaining onion soup mix. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring regularly for 8-12 minutes until the onions become translucent and caramelized. Add more broth as needed to keep the onions moist.
5. Step 5: Return the meatballs to the skillet, add the remaining 1/2 cup broth, and top the meatballs with Swiss cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160˚F. For extra golden cheese, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
6. Step 6: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve over thick-sliced garlic toast or creamy mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, use beef broth instead of water to cook the onions and to bake the meatballs.
• Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the meatball mixture for an herby twist.
• Use mozzarella or Gruyère cheese if Swiss is not available for a different cheese experience.
• To make the dish gluten-free, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Do not overcook when reheating to keep the meatballs tender and the cheese melty.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, and the meatballs might be less juicy.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can form the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze uncooked meatballs and thaw before cooking as directed.

French Onion Meatballs Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious French Onion Meatballs combine juicy, seasoned beef meatballs with rich caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for a hearty meal, featuring flavorful meatballs seared on the stovetop, then baked with savory onions and topped with gooey cheese.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1.5 lb ground beef
• 3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 oz onion soup mix (1 package, divided in half)
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Onion Sauce & Topping

• 2 large yellow onions
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3/4 cup beef broth or water, divided
• 4 oz Swiss cheese (sliced or shredded)
• freshly chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375˚F to prepare for finishing the meatballs with cheese.
2. Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian seasoned bread crumbs, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, half the onion soup mix (about 1 tbsp), Worcestershire sauce, milk, and eggs. Mix gently until just combined. Roll the mixture into approximately 18 meatballs, each about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
3. Sear Meatballs: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When hot, arrange the meatballs in the skillet without overcrowding. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the seared meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook Onions: In the same skillet, add butter, sliced onions, 1/4 cup beef broth, and the remaining half of the onion soup mix. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the onions for 8-12 minutes, stirring regularly until translucent and caramelized. Add additional broth if needed to keep moisture in the pan.
5. Combine and Bake: Place the seared meatballs back into the skillet on top of the caramelized onions. Pour in the remaining 1/2 cup beef broth and top the meatballs with Swiss cheese. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160˚F and the cheese is melted. Optionally, broil for the last 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese further.
6. Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot over thick-sliced garlic toast or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use an ovenproof skillet to seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven.
• If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can substitute with a mixture of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon powder, and seasonings.
• For extra caramelization, cook onions low and slow, adding beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent burning.
• Ensure meatballs are not overcrowded when searing to achieve a good crust.
• Internal temperature of meatballs should reach 160˚F for safe consumption.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread crumbs or ground oats.
• Leftovers reheat well and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: French onion meatballs, caramelized onions, ground beef meatballs, Swiss cheese meatballs, comfort food, easy dinner recipe