Go Back
–+ servings
Cheesy French Onion Meatballs

Cheesy French Onion Meatballs

Delicious Cheesy French Onion Meatballs made with ground beef, Gruyère cheese, and caramelized onions.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American, French
Servings 32 meatballs
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • skillet
  • box grater
  • meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 2 pounds yellow onions about 2 large or 4 medium
  • 1 small bunch fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 6 ounces Gruyère cheese divided
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup whole or 2% milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 ½ teaspoons kosher salt divided, plus more as needed
  • ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided, plus more as needed
  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can beef broth scant 2 cups
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic or sherry vinegar
  • Crusty bread for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Arrange one oven rack 6 to 8 inches from the broiler and a second rack in the middle of the oven. Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Halve and thinly slice yellow onions. Pick leaves from fresh thyme until you have 2 tablespoons. Mince garlic cloves. Grate Gruyère cheese.
  • Combine garlic, thyme, Gruyère cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add ground beef and mix gently.
  • Form into 32 to 34 meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
  • Bake until browned and a thermometer reads at least 165°F, about 15 to 20 minutes.
  • In a skillet, melt butter and cook onions, thyme, salt, and black pepper until onions are deep golden-brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
  • Sprinkle flour over onions, stir until combined, then add wine and cook until evaporated.
  • Add beef broth, bring to a boil and cook until thickened, about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in vinegar.
  • Coat meatballs in sauce, spread evenly, sprinkle with remaining Gruyère cheese.
  • Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Garnish with thyme and serve.

Notes

Make ahead: Bake meatballs and caramelize onions; refrigerate up to 2 days. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Beef Recipe, Cheesy French Onion Meatballs, cheesy meatballs, Comfort Food, French onion dip, Meatballs
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!