French Onion Meatballs

1. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, chopped onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but don’t overwork the mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
2. Form the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get about 20 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the French Onion Sauce

1. Caramelize the onions: In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the sliced onions and sugar. Stir frequently, allowing the onions to cook slowly and caramelize for about 15-20 minutes. You want the onions to become golden brown and soft. If they start to stick, you can add a little bit of water to deglaze the pan.
2. Add the liquids: Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef broth, white wine (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.
3. Return the meatballs to the skillet: Carefully add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the onion sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs and let them simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Serve

1. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère (or Swiss cheese) over the meatballs in the skillet. Cover and let it cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
2. Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the meatballs hot with the onion sauce on top.

How to Serve French Onion Meatballs

• Over pasta: Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of egg noodles, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice for a hearty meal.
• On toasted bread: For a delicious appetizer or light meal, serve the meatballs on toasted baguette slices, drizzled with the rich onion sauce and topped with melted cheese.
• As a main dish: Pair the meatballs with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• With mashed potatoes: French Onion Meatballs also go wonderfully with mashed potatoes, as the sauce and cheese add layers of flavor to the creamy potatoes.

Tips and Variations

• Make ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Just store the cooked meatballs and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat and top with cheese just before serving.
• Meat options: Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat. Ground turkey, chicken, or lamb can work well as alternatives to beef.
• Add more flavor: For extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the caramelized onions or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce.

Conclusion

French Onion Meatballs are a fun and flavorful twist on the traditional French onion soup. With savory, tender meatballs, sweet caramelized onions, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether served over pasta, on crusty bread, or as part of a comforting dinner, these meatballs bring all the deliciousness of French onion soup in an easy-to-make, bite-sized form. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or gathering!