These Baked French Onion Meatballs are a tasty treat! With juicy meatballs mixed with rich, flavorful French onion soup, they bring comfort to any meal. Plus, they’re cheesy on top—who can resist that?
I love making these when friends come over. They always disappear quickly, and I pretend I made extra just for me! 😂 Serve them with some crusty bread for a perfect day-in dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: Either ground beef or turkey works well here. If you want a leaner option, turkey is great. If you prefer richer flavor, stick with beef. You could also try ground chicken or a mix of meats for variation.
Breadcrumbs: I used regular breadcrumbs, but you can easily substitute with panko for extra crunch. If you have gluten sensitivities, there are gluten-free breadcrumbs available that work just as well!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. However, you can replace it with pecorino cheese or omit it for a dairy-free option. Nutritional yeast would add a cheesy flavor for vegan diets.
Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère adds a wonderful meltiness. If you don’t have it, Swiss cheese or even mozzarella can be used. For a richer taste, consider using aged cheddar.
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing, but you can also use sweet onions for a milder taste. Red onions will work too but will give a slightly different flavor.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions can be a bit tricky but is key to adding depth to your dish. The goal is to cook them slowly until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Patience is key here!
- Start by heating your skillet to medium heat and adding olive oil.
- Add the sliced onions and stir occasionally to keep them from burning.
- Cook for about 15 minutes. If they start to stick, you can add a splash of water to release any browned bits.
- Continue cooking until sweet and golden, adjusting the heat as necessary.
Trust me, the caramelized onions make a huge difference in flavor! Enjoy the aroma while they cook; it’s worth the wait!
How to Make Baked French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Onion Sauce:
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to cook. You’ll have 25 minutes of baking time and a little time for caramelizing the onions, making it perfect for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare for Baking:
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your meatballs.
2. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix! Now, roll this mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
3. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently for about 15 minutes. You want them to become caramelized and golden brown, which will add so much flavor!
4. Simmer the Broth:
Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, add the beef broth to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where all those lovely flavors start to come together.
5. Bake the Meatballs:
Carefully place the meatballs into the bubbling broth mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid or some aluminum foil. Pop it in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. The meatballs will cook through and soak up all that delicious onion and beef broth goodness.
6. Add the Cheese:
After 25 minutes, remove the lid or foil. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs. Return it to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Isn’t that a sight to behold?
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is nice and melted, take it out of the oven (careful, it’ll be hot!). Let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a beautiful touch. Dig in and enjoy your Baked French Onion Meatballs!
## FAQs for Baked French Onion Meatballs
Can I Use Ground Chicken or Pork Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground chicken or pork for the beef or turkey. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will be slightly different, but they will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can also check the beef broth packaging to ensure it’s gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. If the sauce thickens, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.
Can I Prepare the Meatballs in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze them, arrange the raw meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for 2-3 months!
