– **Title**: French Onion Meatballs
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
– French baguette, for serving (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
4. While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring frequently, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them with the onion mixture.
7. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the top and cover with a lid. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
8. Serve the meatballs with the caramelized onions, and if desired, with slices of French baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
Enjoy your flavorful French Onion Meatballs!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Pork: This combo gives excellent flavor and texture. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, you can use plant-based meat alternatives or a mix of beans and lentils.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs. Use plain or seasoned crumbs depending on what you have. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed oats!
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice salty flavor. If you’re lactose intolerant, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy taste without dairy. Regular cheddar or Pecorino Romano can also work in a pinch!
Onions: Essential for caramelizing. Yellow onions work best, but white or red will also be fine. You can even use shallots for a milder flavor.
Gruyère Cheese: For that final cheesy layer, Gruyère is perfect. If you can’t find it, Swiss cheese is a good alternative, or use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for melting goodness.
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is key to developing the rich flavor in this dish. The secret is patience and low heat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Slice your onions thinly to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet on medium-low. Add the onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook gently, stirring occasionally for 15-20 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown. Don’t rush this step!
- If they start to brown too quickly, lower the heat. You want them soft and sweet, not burnt.
How to Make French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Onion Broth:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare the meatballs, plus an additional 35-45 minutes to cook and caramelize the onions. Altogether, expect to spend about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get these delicious French onion meatballs on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Then, shape this mixture into meatballs about 1-2 inches wide. Set aside.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Then, add the sliced onions. Cook them over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are nicely caramelized and golden, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Patience is key here, as this step adds wonderful flavor!
4. Add Broth and Seasonings:
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, stir in the beef broth, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to let the flavors meld together.
5. Simmer the Meatballs:
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them among the onions and broth. Lower the heat and let the meatballs simmer in the broth for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender.
6. Add Cheese:
While the meatballs are cooking, preheat your broiler. Once the meatballs are done simmering, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese generously over the top. Slide the skillet under the broiler for just a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
7. Serve:
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Serve your French onion meatballs warm, garnished with extra parsley if you like. This dish is perfect with crusty bread or served over rice. Enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef and pork with other ground meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just ensure that the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatballs juicy, aiming for about 80% lean.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover French onion meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if they seem dry.
Can I Make the Meatballs Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance! Shape them and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking, then proceed with browning and simmering as indicated in the recipe.
What Can I Use Instead of Gruyère Cheese?
If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss cheese or a combination of mozzarella and sharp cheddar works well too. These options will give you a delicious cheesy topping, though the flavor will vary slightly from the original recipe.
