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Delicious Cheesy French Onion Meatballs
If you love the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup and are looking for an easy dinner recipe, then this French Onion Meatball recipe is for you.
If you prefer chicken to beef, you'll want to try this French Onion Chicken Skillet!
What Makes French Onion Meatballs Special?
French onion meatballs combine the flavors of classic French onion soup with juicy beef meatballs.
The savory onions, the richness of the beef broth, and the melty Gruyere cheese come together to create a flavor explosion in every bite. This dish is easy to make, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Ingredients for Tender Meatballs
To make the best French onion meatballs, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Ground Beef
- Pork Rind Crumbs (this is in place of the breadcrumbs)
- Egg
- French Onion Soup Mix (for extra onion flavor)
- Gruyere Cheese
- Onion, sliced thinly
- Olive Oil
- Beef Broth (or beef stock)
- Heavy Whipping Cream
How to Make French Onion Meatballs
Preparing the Onions and Meatballs
First, heat the olive oil in a large iron skillet (or oven-safe skillet) over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become caramelized.
Remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
Next, in a large bowl, combine the ground beef, crushed pork rind crumbs, egg, French onion soup mix, 2 oz. of shredded Gruyere cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
Mix everything until well combined, then form the mixture into 30 evenly-sized meatballs.
Cooking the Meatballs
Place the meatballs in the same skillet you used for the onions, and cook them until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Making the Sauce
To the same skillet, add the beef broth, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Whisk in the heavy whipping cream and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Return the onions and meatballs to the skillet, tossing to coat them in the sauce.
If you want to add a little more flavor, you could add a little fresh thyme.
Adding the Meatballs to the Sauce
Once your onions are caramelized and your meatballs are cooked, it's time to combine them with the sauce.
Place the meatballs back in the skillet with the sauce and onions, and let them simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Turn on your oven's broiler. Sprinkle the remaining shredded Gruyere over the meatballs, and place the skillet in the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes, or just until the cheese has melted.
Tips for Perfect Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are key to this recipe, adding sweetness and depth to the dish.
Here are some tips for perfect caramelized onions:
- Cook the onions over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Be patient—caramelizing onions takes time, but the result is worth it.
How to Serve French Onion Meatballs
French onion meatballs can be served in various ways:
- Over Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory onion sauce.
- With Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs over cauliflower rice.
- With Mashed Cauliflower: For another low-carb option, you can use your Instant Pot to make creamy Instant Pot Mashed Cauliflower!
- With a Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich meatballs.
- With sourdough toast: Serve your meatballs and caramelized onion sauce over crispy sourdough toast for pure comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Ground Chicken or Turkey?
Absolutely! If you prefer poultry over lean ground beef, you can easily substitute ground chicken or turkey for ground beef in this recipe. Of course, the flavor may be slightly different.
The cooking time may need to be adjusted since poultry cooks faster than beef.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
French onion meatballs make excellent leftovers. Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the meatballs ahead of time, and refrigerate them until you are ready to fry them. (You could even freeze the meatballs for a later time!)
The onions can be sliced and refrigerated until you are ready to fry them and finish the dish.
What Can I Use Instead of Gruyere Cheese?
If you don't have Gruyere cheese, you can substitute it with Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a similar melty texture and flavor.
French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Pounds Ground Beef
- ½ Cup Crushed Pork Rind Crumbs about 2 oz. crushed
- 1 Egg
- 2 Tablespoons French Onion Soup Mix
- 3 Ounces Gruyere Cheese shredded and divided
- ½ Medium Onion sliced thinly
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil can also use better - or a blend of both
- ⅓ Cup Beef Broth
- ¼ Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet, and cook until they begin to brown and soften.
- Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, pork rind crumbs, egg, french onion soup mix, 2 oz. of the shredded gruyere cheese as well as salt and pepper to taste. Mix together well with your hands until well combined.
- Form the meat mixture into 30 evenly sized meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in the heated skillet on the stove, and cook, turning to brown evenly until completely cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet when finished.
- Add the beef broth to the skillet, and scrape the bottom to loosen any bits.
- Whisk the heavy whipping cream into the skillet until well blended.
- Place the onions and meatballs back into the skillet, and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese on the meatballs and broil in the oven for 60-90 seconds, or until cheese is melty and bubbly.
Notes
Nutrition
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