Savory French Onion Meatballs with Melty Cheese (Print Version)

Make these savory Cheesy French Onion Meatballs for a cozy meal! Tender beef, caramelized onions, and gooey cheese make a comforting bite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Meatball Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 chuck)
02 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1 large egg, lightly beaten
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ French Onion Flavor

08 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
09 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
10 - 3 cups beef broth, low sodium
11 - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme (plus more for garnish)

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
14 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

# Instructions:

01 - Grab a large skillet and melt some butter over medium-low heat. Add your thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. This is where the magic begins, but don't rush it! Stir them occasionally, letting them slowly soften and turn a beautiful golden brown. This can take a good 20-25 minutes, honestly. I used to crank the heat, thinking it would be faster, but all I got was burnt, bitter onions. Low and slow is the way to achieve that deep, sweet flavor we're after for your Cheesy French Onion Meatballs.
02 - While the onions are doing their thing, gently combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, a bit of salt, and a good crack of black pepper in a large bowl. Get your hands in there! It's messy, but it’s the best way to ensure everything is evenly mixed. Be careful not to overmix, though; that's how you get tough meatballs. Just combine until everything is just incorporated, leaving them tender and juicy.
03 - Roll the mixture into golf-ball sized meatballs. I usually get about 18-20 from this recipe. In the same skillet (after you've removed the caramelized onions to a separate bowl), add a little more oil and brown the meatballs on all sides over medium-high heat. You're not cooking them through yet, just getting a lovely crust. The sizzle and smell at this stage? Incredible! I always sneak a tiny one right off the pan to 'test' it. Shhh, don't tell anyone!
04 - Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth, scraping up all those delicious brown bits from the bottom – that's pure flavor! Stir in the remaining beef broth, a tablespoon of flour (or cornstarch slurry if you prefer), and a sprig or two of fresh thyme. Let it simmer and thicken slightly. Taste it here, honestly, and adjust any seasonings. This is the foundation for your Cheesy French Onion Meatballs' rich gravy.
05 - Return the browned meatballs and the caramelized onions to the skillet, nestling them into that gorgeous sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to coat. Now, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese over the top. Don't be shy here; this is where the 'cheesy' part of these Cheesy French Onion Meatballs really shines! Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
06 - Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Oh, the sight! I always find myself peeking through the oven door, watching that cheese get perfectly gooey. The kitchen will smell absolutely divine. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, just to let those flavors meld. Garnish with a little extra fresh thyme, because it makes everything look fancy even if you just threw it together after a long day.

# Notes:

01 - Personal cooking tip: Don't rush the onion caramelization, it's the key to rich flavor!
02 - Storage advice: Leftovers are amazing; store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
03 - Substitution I've tried: Swiss cheese works in place of Gruyère, but Gruyère gives that extra special flavor.
04 - Serving suggestion: Serve these Cheesy French Onion Meatballs over mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for dipping.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!)
02 - mixing bowls
03 - cutting board
04 - sharp knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 15-20g
Protein: 35-45g

Back