French Onion Meatballs Recipe with Savory Onion Sauce
French Onion Meatballs Recipe is the kind of comforting beef dinner that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of caramelized onions and garlic. The meatballs are tender, juicy, and simmered in a rich onion sauce inspired by French onion soup. This dish is topped with melted cheese that makes it one of the most indulgent meat dishes you can serve. If you love ground beef recipes or want beef recipes for dinner that feel cozy and satisfying, this recipe will be a favorite.
French Onion Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Form into 1 inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced onions to the same skillet and cook over medium-low for 15–20 minutes until golden and soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add flour and stir to coat. Slowly whisk in broth and wine. Add Worcestershire, thyme, and pepper.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes or bake at 375°F for same time until cooked through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over meatballs and place under broiler for 2–3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love this meatball dinner
French Onion Meatballs Recipe brings together the best flavors of caramelized onions, herbs, and juicy minced meat. The beef is perfectly seasoned with Parmesan and garlic while the onion sauce adds richness with thyme, Worcestershire, and optional red wine. It belongs on every list of meatball recipes easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for gatherings. This beef dinner is versatile, hearty, and a true comfort food classic.
Ingredients for French onion meatballs
Here are the ingredients you need to create this flavorful beef dinner along with tips for substitutions.
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 minced meat recommended)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Savory Onion Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional for flavor depth)
- 1 tbsp all purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese for topping
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Substitution tip: Use mozzarella if Gruyere is not available and swap ground turkey for a lighter version of this beef dish.
How to make French onion meatballs step by step
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Form into 1 inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Add onions to the skillet and cook over medium low for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and soft. This step is key for a flavorful sauce.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add flour and stir to coat. Slowly whisk in beef broth and wine. Add Worcestershire, thyme, and black pepper.
- Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or bake in a 375°F oven for the same time until meatballs are cooked through.
- Sprinkle cheese over the meatballs and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
How to serve French onion meatballs
French Onion Meatballs Recipe is one of the most versatile beef dishes and can be served in many ways.
- With mashed potatoes for a cozy meatball dinner
- Over buttered noodles or pasta for a family style beef dish
- Alongside crusty bread to soak up the onion sauce
- With roasted vegetables for a lighter option
- As part of holiday meat dishes with festive sides
Pro tips for meatball recipes easy and delicious
- Use 80/20 minced meat for juicy and tender meatballs.
- Mix ingredients lightly so the meatballs stay soft.
- Caramelize onions slowly to bring out natural sweetness.
- Use a scoop for even sized meatballs.
- Add cheese only at the end so it melts perfectly on top.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing very lean ground beef which can make meatballs dry.
- Skipping the flour which prevents the sauce from thickening.
- Overcrowding the pan which leads to steaming instead of browning.
- Rushing the onions instead of letting them caramelize.
- Adding cheese too early which causes it to sink instead of bubbling on top.
Storage and reheating tips for beef dishes
| Storage Method | How to Store | How to Reheat |
| Refrigerator | Store in airtight container for up to 4 days | Reheat on stovetop with a splash of broth or in microwave |
| Freezer | Freeze meatballs with sauce for up to 3 months | Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat gently in skillet |
Tip: Add fresh cheese after reheating for the best results.
Conclusion
French Onion Meatballs Recipe is a hearty and flavorful way to turn minced meat into an unforgettable beef dinner. Juicy ground beef meatballs, a rich caramelized onion sauce, and bubbling cheese on top make this one of the best beef dishes to enjoy with family or friends. Save this recipe for later and share it so others can add it to their collection of comforting ground beef recipes.
