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French Onion Meatballs

Highlighted in: Main Meals Everyone Enjoys

Warm and hearty meal blending French onion soup vibes with juicy meatballs. Complete with a flavorful sauce, cheesy topping, and comforting textures.

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Una donna con un cappello a coda di cavallo e un vestito nero.
Écrit par Kylie
Last modified on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:52:53 GMT
Skillet of cheese-topped meatballs with fresh parsley in a savory brown sauce. Save it
Skillet of cheese-topped meatballs with fresh parsley in a savory brown sauce. | kylierecipes.com

These French Onion Meatballs have turned into absolute comfort food heaven in my home. They blend all the good stuff from French onion soup with juicy, soft meatballs to make something really unique. The sweet caramelized onion gravy and gooey Swiss cheese bring so much coziness to our dinner table whenever I cook them.

Cozy Delight

The beauty of these meatballs is how they turn the beloved taste of French onion soup into a hearty main course. They always wow everyone, whether it's just family dinner or when friends come over. I love how they seem fancy but don't take forever to make.

Making Standout Meatballs

Nailing the Outer Sear
I just love seeing these meatballs get that gorgeous brown color in the pan. Giving them enough room to sear properly creates that yummy crust while keeping them juicy inside.
The Final Cook
Popping them in a hot oven lets everything come together as the meatballs finish cooking and soak up all that tasty sauce. Sometimes I switch on the broiler at the end to get them extra crispy.

The Knockout Sauce

Onion Transformation
When you caramelize onions, time turns into flavor. I go slow and let them gradually turn golden, with just a bit of salt to pull out their sweetness.
The Wine Difference
That splash of red wine lifts all those tasty brown bits from the pan bottom to make an amazing sauce. It's French onion soup taken up several notches.
A plate of three cheesy meatballs topped with brown gravy and garnished with parsley. Save it
A plate of three cheesy meatballs topped with brown gravy and garnished with parsley. | kylierecipes.com

Final Touches

Bread and Cheese
That stretchy Swiss cheese on top makes everything come together, especially with crunchy baguette pieces on the side. I usually make extra bread because everyone wants more for sauce-dipping.
Serving Time
There's something special about bringing the whole pan to the table with fresh thyme sprinkled on top. These meatballs are the star whether they're with creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

Prep Ahead Wonder

You can totally get ahead with these meatballs. I often brown them earlier and keep them in the fridge. When dinner rolls around, I just warm them in the sauce and add cheese. Makes having people over so much easier when most of the work's already done.

Great Side Matches

These meatballs are amazing by themselves, but I love pairing them with sides that work with their rich taste. Sometimes it's fluffy mashed potatoes soaking up all that gravy, other times a green salad adds just the right freshness. But those toasted baguette slices are a must-have - they make every bite better.

Kitchen Secrets

I've found that buying good beef really changes how the meatballs turn out. Taking your time with the onions brings out their sweet side, don't try to rush it. And always keep extra bread around because everyone will want more for soaking up that incredible sauce.

Leftovers Handling

These meatballs stay good in the fridge for a few days and actually taste even better. When I warm them up, I do it slowly on the stove and might add a splash of broth to freshen the sauce. I melt fresh cheese under the broiler right before serving so they taste just as good as day one.

Why They're Our Favorite

These French Onion Meatballs have become a standout at our family meals. They mix everyday comfort food with fancy flavors that make any dinner feel special. For regular weeknights or when company's over, they always bring happy faces to our table.

A skillet of cheesy meatballs simmering in a savory sauce with onions and garnished with parsley. Save it
A skillet of cheesy meatballs simmering in a savory sauce with onions and garnished with parsley. | kylierecipes.com

FAQ sur la recette

→ Is it okay to prep the onions early?

Absolutely! You can make caramelized onions a few days before and store them in the fridge. It even enhances their flavor over time.

→ Which red wine works best here?

A nice dry wine like Pinot Noir or Cabernet works wonders. It deepens the flavor of the sauce, but you can just use more broth if you prefer.

→ How can I stop meatballs from falling apart?

Let the breadcrumbs soak long enough and don't mix the meat too much. Make sure your oil is hot when frying.

→ Can this meal be frozen?

Yes, freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. Just add fresh baguette and cheese after reheating.

→ What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

Try Gruyere for classic vibes, or a mix of mozzarella and provolone for that stretchy, melted cheese texture.

Onion Meatball Dish

Rich beef meatballs paired with sweet caramelized onion sauce, a splash of red wine, melty Swiss cheese, and crispy bread.

Préparation
20 minutes
Temps de cuisson
80 minutes
Durée totale
100 minutes
Écrit par: Kylie

Type de recette: Main Dishes

Niveau de difficulté: Complexe

Cuisine: French-inspired flair

Quantité obtenue: 4 Nombre de portions (15 to 18 meatballs)

Régimes: ~

Composition

01 12 baguette slices.
02 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese.
03 1 tablespoon optional brandy.
04 2 cups chicken stock.
05 1/2 cup dry red wine.
06 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
07 4 minced garlic cloves.
08 2 large eggs.
09 1 teaspoon black pepper.
10 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme.
11 5 cloves mashed garlic.
12 3/4 cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs.
13 1/4 cup whole milk.
14 1 1/2 pounds ground beef chuck.
15 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
16 1/2 teaspoon table salt.
17 3 ounces of water.
18 2 yellow onions, sliced thin.
19 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.

Étapes de réalisation

Étape n°01

Stir breadcrumbs and milk together, let them sit for five minutes. Mix in the rest, then roll into 1.5-inch balls.

Étape n°02

Cook onions with salt and water covered for a quarter-hour. Uncover and keep cooking till golden brown.

Étape n°03

Heat the oil and fry the meatballs, turning them every 3 minutes. Take them out and set aside.

Étape n°04

Once onions are caramelized, stir in flour and garlic. Pour in wine and stock, then add seasonings.

Étape n°05

Put the meatballs back in the pan and sprinkle cheese over the top.

Étape n°06

Pop it in the oven at 450°F, and bake for 7-10 minutes until bubbly.

Étape n°07

Toast the baguette slices topped with cheese. Serve alongside the meatballs.

Détails supplémentaires

  1. Make the onions a day early if you'd like.
  2. Homemade broth works best here.
  3. Stays fresh in the fridge for 3 days.

Outils et ustensiles nécessaires

  • Big oven-safe skillet.
  • Large stockpot.
  • Baking tray.

Informations sur les allergènes

Vérifie les ingrédients pour repérer d’éventuels allergènes et consulte un expert médical en cas de doute.
  • Contains milk.
  • Uses eggs.
  • Includes wheat.

Apports nutritionnels (par portion)

Ces données sont uniquement indicatives et ne se substituent pas à un avis médical professionnel.
  • Kcal: 758
  • Matières grasses: 33 gr
  • Glucides: 52 gr
  • Protéines: 57 gr