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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup onions, thinly sliced (for the sauce) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese - Chopped chives for garnish When making French onion meatballs, start with quality ingredients. The ground beef serves as the base. It brings rich flavor and a hearty texture. Fresh breadcrumbs help the meatballs stay moist. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory kick. Chopped parsley gives a fresh note. Next, flavor enhancers elevate the dish. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic add depth. Worcestershire sauce adds umami. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. For the sauce, beef broth is key. It creates a savory base. The sliced onions caramelize in olive oil, turning sweet and golden. Thyme adds a hint of earthiness. Gruyère cheese melts to create a gooey topping. Finally, chopped chives give a pop of color and freshness. This combination of ingredients makes French onion meatballs a warm, comforting dish. Don't forget to check the [Full Recipe] for detailed steps and tips! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the meatballs cook evenly. - Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl. Use your hands to blend well. - Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet. Keep them round and fluffy. - Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Check for a golden color and doneness. - Caramelize sliced onions in olive oil in a skillet. Stir often until they turn golden brown. - Add beef broth and thyme to the onions; simmer for 5 minutes. This will create a rich sauce. - Transfer meatballs to the skillet, coating them with sauce. Make sure they are well-covered. - Sprinkle with Gruyère cheese and cover to melt. The cheese adds a creamy finish. You can check the [Full Recipe] for more details. Enjoy the process and the flavors! To make great meatballs, avoid overmixing. This keeps them tender and juicy. When forming the meatballs, use your hands and shape them gently. Aim for about one inch in size. Make sure to use a meat thermometer. Check the doneness at 160°F (70°C). This ensures they are cooked through but not dry. Caramelizing onions adds rich flavor. Stir them often to get even browning. This step usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The longer you cook them, the sweeter they become. If you like them sweeter, let them cook a bit longer. Adjust the time based on your taste. Serving French onion meatballs is easy. Top them with more caramelized onions for extra flavor. Pair them with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Mashed potatoes also work great. They add creaminess and balance the dish. You can find the Full Recipe to guide you through. Enjoy every bite! {{image_4}} You can easily switch up the meat in this recipe. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Both options keep the dish light while still full of flavor. If you want to change the cheese, try mozzarella or cheddar for a different twist. Each cheese brings its own unique taste. Adding herbs can take your meatballs to the next level. Try fresh thyme or rosemary. These herbs add a lovely aroma and taste. You can also mix in diced veggies. Bell peppers or mushrooms work great. They add texture and more flavor to the meat mixture. You don’t have to bake the meatballs if you want a smoky flavor. Grilling them gives a nice char and adds depth. A healthier option is using an air fryer. It cooks them quickly and cuts down on fat. Both methods can make your French onion meatballs even better. For the full recipe, check out my detailed instructions above. Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and tasty. When you want to enjoy them again, simply check for any signs of spoilage. Look for changes in color or smell before eating. Keeping them sealed helps to lock in flavors and moisture. Freeze cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps avoid clumping and keeps them easy to grab later. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just label the bag with the date to know when you made them! Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for the best taste. If using the microwave, place the meatballs on a plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This keeps them moist. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of broth to a skillet and heat gently. This way, you get to enjoy them just like the first time! You can make these meatballs gluten-free. Just substitute fresh breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. This keeps the texture nice while meeting dietary needs. To check if the meatballs are cooked, use a meat thermometer. Make sure they reach 160°F (70°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and fully cooked. Absolutely! You can add more cheese to the recipe. Feel free to increase the amount or try different types of cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella can work well too. French Onion Meatballs are versatile. They pair well with pasta, rice, or on a sub sandwich. You can serve them with crusty bread for dipping or over creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy the rich flavors! In this blog post, I shared a great recipe for French onion meatballs. We covered the main ingredients needed, tips for perfecting the meatballs, and fun variations to try. Remember, small choices can change the flavor a lot. Try making them your own with different herbs or cheeses. Store any leftovers well for later enjoyment. With these steps, you'll create a yummy dish everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking journey!

French Onion Meatballs

Savor the rich flavors of these Savory French Onion Meatballs! This delicious recipe combines juicy ground beef with caramelized onions and melted Gruyère for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for dinner or a cozy gathering, these meatballs are easy to make and packed with flavor. Click through to explore the step-by-step guide and impress your family with this irresistible dish!

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs

1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 large egg, beaten

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup beef broth

1 cup onions, thinly sliced (for the sauce)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Chopped chives for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice golden crust.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix until everything is well blended, but be careful not to overmix which could make them tough.

      Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Roll them gently to keep a light and fluffy texture, and place each meatball on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

        Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).

          While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced onions and sauté them, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. This step brings out their sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.

            After the onions are caramelized, pour in the beef broth and add the dried thyme. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will create a savory sauce that's perfect for the meatballs.

              Once the meatballs are done baking, carefully transfer them to the skillet with the onion sauce. Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce to ensure they are well-coated and infused with those rich flavors.

                Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the meatballs. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap the heat and allow the cheese to melt for about 2-3 minutes, until it becomes gooey and delightful.

                  Serve the meatballs warm on a large platter or individual plates, and finish with a sprinkle of chopped chives for a fresh and vibrant touch.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs with a side of crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce, and consider placing extra caramelized onions on top for added texture and flavor. Enjoy!