French Onion Meatballs

Name: French Onion Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground chicken; 1 large egg (beaten); ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup fine dry breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion; 3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced); 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Posted on September 25, 2025

Appetizers & Snacks

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French Onion Meatballs combine rich caramelized onions, savory homemade meatballs, and deliciously melted cheese, making them a perfect comfort food treat. Whether you serve them as an appetizer at a gathering or as a hearty main course for dinner, these meatballs are sure to impress. Their mouthwatering flavors and gooey texture make them a standout dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of caramelized onions and melted cheese creates an irresistible taste that everyone will enjoy.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, making French Onion Meatballs is easy and enjoyable for cooks of all levels.
Versatile Dish: These meatballs can be served alone, as part of a pasta dish, or in a sandwich—perfect for any mealtime!
Great for Meal Prep: You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer, making weeknight dinners hassle-free.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, these meatballs will satisfy your family and guests alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Mixing bowls
Baking sheet
Skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Why These Tools Matter

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients evenly to create flavorful meatballs.
Baking sheet: A must-have for cooking the meatballs evenly in the oven.
Skillet: Perfect for sautéing onions to achieve that sweet caramelization that enhances the dish’s flavor.

Ingredients

French Onion Meatballs combine caramelized onions, homemade meatballs, and ooey gooey cheese that are sure to satisfy your comfort food craving! They can be enjoyed as a side dish or as the main entree.

Ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1 large egg, (beaten)
– ½ cup (100 g) parmesan cheese, (finely grated)
– 2 tablespoons parsley, (chopped)
– 2 teaspoons kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup (122.5 g) whole milk
– ½ cup (54 g) fine dry breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic, (minced)
– ¼ cup yellow onion, (finely diced)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 large yellow onions, (thinly sliced into half-moon shapes)
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 2 cups (16 ounces) beef broth
– ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup (113 g) mozzarella cheese, (shredded)
– 1 cup (113 g) Gruyere cheese, (shredded)
– parsley, (chopped for garnish)

How to Make French Onion Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Ground beef
2. Ground chicken
3. Beaten egg
4. Parmesan cheese
5. Parsley
6. Kosher salt
7. Black pepper
8. Whole milk
9. Fine dry breadcrumbs
10. Garlic
11. Finely diced yellow onion

Mix thoroughly until well combined.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands or a scoop:
1. Shape the mixture into meatballs about one inch in diameter.
2. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the meatballs in the oven for about:
1. 20 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Caramelize the Onions

While the meatballs bake:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter with one tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Add thinly sliced yellow onions.
3. Cook slowly until they turn golden brown and caramelize—about 15–20 minutes.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

Once onions are caramelized:
1. Sprinkle in one tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
2. Stir continuously for about one minute before adding two cups of beef broth.
3. Season with kosher salt and black pepper; bring to a simmer.

Step 6: Combine and Melt Cheese

Add baked meatballs to the skillet with sauce:
1. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with sauce.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Gruyere cheese on top.
3. Cover and let it simmer on low heat until cheese is melted—around 5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm! Enjoy your delicious French Onion Meatballs!

How to Serve French Onion Meatballs

French Onion Meatballs are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these meatballs can adapt to your serving style and occasion.

As an Appetizer

Skewered Delight: Serve the meatballs on skewers for easy eating at gatherings.
Mini Sliders: Place meatballs in small buns with cheese and toppings for tasty sliders.
With Dipping Sauce: Offer marinara or garlic aioli as a dip to complement the flavors.

As a Main Course

Over Pasta: Serve the meatballs over spaghetti with extra sauce for a hearty meal.
On Rice: Pair with fluffy rice to soak up the rich flavors of the broth.
With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes balances well with the savory meatballs.

In a Salad

Warm Salad Bowl: Toss the meatballs over mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a fresh twist.
Caesar Salad Style: Add them into a Caesar salad for protein and flavor enhancement.

How to Perfect French Onion Meatballs

Creating perfect French Onion Meatballs involves attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

Bold Flavor Development: Take time to caramelize your onions until they are golden brown for maximum sweetness and depth.
Moisture Matters: Ensure your meat mixture includes enough moisture from milk and egg to keep the meatballs tender.
Uniform Size: Shape your meatballs evenly for consistent cooking throughout.
Cheese Layering: Don’t shy away from layering cheeses; they add depth and creaminess when melted together.
Slow Cooking: Allow the meatballs to simmer gently in broth to fully absorb flavors and remain juicy.
Garnish Wisely: Finish with fresh parsley for color and freshness right before serving.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with French Onion Meatballs can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices from the meatballs.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies adds color, flavor, and nutrition alongside your dish.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy contrast to the richness of the meatballs.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds texture and balances out the heartiness of the main dish.
Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a nice crunch that complements the soft texture of the meatballs.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Onion Meatballs, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold meat and other ingredients can result in uneven cooking. Always let your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
Not caramelizing onions properly: Skipping the caramelization process can lead to a lack of flavor. Take your time to cook the onions until they are golden brown and sweet.
Overmixing the meat mixture: Overmixing can make your meatballs tough. Combine the ingredients just until mixed for tender meatballs.
Skipping seasoning: Under-seasoned meatballs will taste bland. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper, and consider additional herbs for flavor.
Not using enough cheese: Cheese adds richness and flavor. Use generous amounts of mozzarella and Gruyere for that gooey texture you desire.

Refrigerator Storage

Store French Onion Meatballs in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing French Onion Meatballs

Freeze meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Onion Meatballs

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are French Onion Meatballs?

French Onion Meatballs are savory meatballs made with ground beef and chicken, infused with caramelized onions and topped with melted cheese.

Can I customize my French Onion Meatballs?

Absolutely! You can add different herbs, spices, or even change the types of cheese based on your preference.

How do I know when my meatballs are cooked?

Meatballs are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer for accuracy.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatball mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to cook them.

What should I serve with French Onion Meatballs?

These delicious meatballs pair well with pasta, rice, or even as a topping on mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.

Conclusion

French Onion Meatballs offer a delightful combination of flavors that satisfy any comfort food craving. Their versatility allows you to enjoy them as an appetizer or main course. Feel free to customize them with your favorite cheeses or herbs for an extra personal touch!