French Onion Meatballs

French Onion Meatballs combine caramelized onions, homemade meatballs, and ooey gooey cheese that are sure to satisfy your comfort food craving! Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or cozy gatherings, these meatballs are a delightful blend of flavors. The combination of savory beef and chicken with sweet onions creates a dish that is not only filling but also incredibly comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The mix of caramelized onions and melted cheese offers a rich taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as an appetizer or as a hearty main course.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up this dish in no time!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, these meatballs will impress family and friends alike.
• Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or herbs to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining your ingredients thoroughly without any mess.
• Skillet: Perfect for caramelizing onions evenly to enhance their sweetness.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking of the meatballs while keeping them intact.

Ingredients

French Onion Meatballs combine caramelized onions, homemade meatballs, and ooey gooey cheese that are sure to satisfy your comfort food craving!

For the Meatballs

• 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)

For the Onion Mixture

• 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

For the Broth and Cheese Layer

• 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 large mixing bowl:
1. Combine the ground beef and ground chicken.
2. Add the beaten egg, parmesan cheese, parsley, kosher salt, black pepper, whole milk, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, and diced yellow onion.
3. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Scoop out portions of the meat mixture using your hands or a spoon.
3. Roll each portion into a meatball shape about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Heat vegetable oil along with 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.
2. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches without crowding.
3. Sear each side until golden brown; about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 4: Caramelize the Onions

In the same skillet:
1. Add remaining unsalted butter and sliced yellow onions.
2. Cook on low heat for about 20 minutes until they become soft and golden brown.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

1. Sprinkle flour over caramelized onions; stir well.
2. Gradually add beef broth while stirring continuously until thickened.
3. Place seared meatballs in a baking dish; pour onion mixture over top.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheese over everything evenly.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm alongside crusty bread or over pasta!

Enjoy your delicious French Onion Meatballs!

How to Serve French Onion Meatballs

French Onion Meatballs are versatile and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these meatballs can elevate your meal experience.

As a Main Dish

• Serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
• Pair them with pasta tossed in a light olive oil and garlic sauce for a delightful twist.

In a Sub Sandwich

• Place the meatballs in a toasted hoagie roll, topped with melted mozzarella and Gruyere cheese for an indulgent sandwich.

As an Appetizer

• Offer the meatballs on skewers with toothpicks as bite-sized delights at gatherings or parties.

Over Rice

• Serve the meatballs atop fluffy white or brown rice to soak up all the savory broth and flavors.

With Salad

• Accompany the meatballs with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal that adds crunch to every bite.

On Pizza

• Use the meatballs as toppings on homemade pizza along with extra cheese for a unique flavor experience.

How to Perfect French Onion Meatballs

To achieve the best French Onion Meatballs, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality ground beef and chicken will enhance flavor and texture.
• Caramelize Onions Slowly: Take your time when caramelizing onions; this brings out their natural sweetness.
• Don’t Skip the Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and Gruyere provides that perfect gooey texture and rich flavor.
• Season Generously: Ensure you season both the meatball mixture and the onion topping well to bring out all flavors.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Cook the meatballs at medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
• Let Them Rest: Allowing the meatballs to rest after cooking lets juices redistribute for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your French Onion Meatballs can take your meal to another level. Here are some excellent options that complement their rich flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables adds color, nutrients, and crunch to your meal.
3. Simple Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatballs.
4. Creamy Polenta: Smooth polenta serves as a delicious base that enhances the overall comfort of your dish.
5. Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb option, mashed cauliflower gives you that creamy texture without the potatoes.
6. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds elegance and complements the savory flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Onion Meatballs, it’s easy to overlook some crucial steps. Here are common mistakes you should avoid.

• Overmixing the meat: Mixing the meat too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine ingredients just until blended for a tender texture.
• Skipping the caramelization: Not taking the time to properly caramelize the onions results in less flavor. Cook them slowly until golden brown for the best taste.
• Using low-quality cheese: Low-quality cheese can affect both flavor and texture in your dish. Opt for fresh mozzarella and Gruyere for delicious melting properties.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Guessing measurements can lead to imbalances in flavors. Use measuring cups and spoons for precise ingredients.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season throughout the cooking process can make your dish bland. Taste and adjust seasoning at every stage.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• item Allow meatballs to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing French Onion Meatballs

• item Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• item Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating French Onion Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake meatballs for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat for 1–2 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth, and simmer meatballs until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are French Onion Meatballs?

French Onion Meatballs are savory beef and chicken meatballs flavored with caramelized onions and topped with melted cheese, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

Can I use different meats for French Onion Meatballs?

Yes! You can substitute ground turkey or lamb if you prefer. Each option adds a unique flavor profile while keeping the essence of the recipe.

How do I know when my meatballs are cooked through?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Can I prepare French Onion Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

French Onion Meatballs offer a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy any comfort food craving. They are versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main course, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding herbs or spices tailored to your taste!