Introduction to French Onion Meatballs
If you’re searching for a recipe that brings a comforting twist to your weeknight dinners, look no further than French Onion Meatballs. Inspired by the classic French onion soup, this dish transforms savory flavors into delightful meatballs, making it a standout on any dinner table.
Why are French Onion Meatballs a game-changer?
These meatballs aren't just delicious; they’re incredibly versatile and easy to make. You can whip them up in just 40 minutes, all in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean—an absolute win for busy lifestyles. When cooked in rich beef broth and topped with melty cheese, they create a mouthwatering gravy that elevates the entire meal.
Imagine serving these French Onion Meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for dipping (try sourdough, it's a game-changer!). They bring warmth and comfort that is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to weeknight gatherings with friends.
Plus, you get a protein-packed dish with every bite, making it a balanced choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can impress everyone with minimal effort. Ready to dive into the recipe? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for French Onion Meatballs
Creating French onion meatballs is a delightful endeavor, and having the right ingredients makes all the difference. Let's break it down.
Meatball Ingredients
To whip up these savory meatballs, you'll need:
- 1 lb lean ground beef: This forms the base for your meatballs.
- ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion: Adds flavor and moisture.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced: Gives that aromatic punch.
- 3 tablespoons bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Keeps them juicy and tender.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: For that umami kick.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess.
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: To taste.
- Cooking spray: To keep the meatballs from sticking.
- ¾ cup shredded cheese (like Gruyere, Swiss, or mozzarella): The delicious melty topping!
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a vibrant garnish.
Gravy Ingredients
For the luscious gravy, gather:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: To sauté the onions.
- ½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced: Essential for flavor.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced: Because garlic makes everything better!
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth: The heart of the gravy.
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch: To thicken up that rich sauce.
With these ingredients, you're set for a French onion meatball experience that’s both comforting and satisfying! Consider adding some crusty sourdough bread or cooked noodles for serving to elevate the meal further. Happy cooking!
Preparing French Onion Meatballs
Creating French onion meatballs is as delightful as it is simple. This dish combines the savory flavors of meatballs with the rich, comforting essence of French onion soup, all in one skillet! Let's walk through the steps to make this mouthwatering recipe.
Combine Meatball Ingredients
Start your culinary adventure by gathering the meatball ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 pound of lean ground beef, ¼ cup finely diced yellow onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Add 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon each of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, along with ¼ teaspoon each of fine salt and black pepper. Once combined, use wet hands to form the mixture into 16 evenly-sized meatballs—about the size of golf balls.
Cook the Meatballs in a Skillet
Next, it’s time to cook those meatballs! Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and mist it with cooking spray. Once it’s hot, carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once they’re golden brown and cooked through, transfer them to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
Sauté Onions and Garlic for the Gravy
Now, using the same skillet, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Swirl it around to coat the pan, then toss in ½ medium yellow onion, thinly sliced. Cook the onions until they’re tender and caramelized, about 7-8 minutes. Just as the aroma fills your kitchen, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds—trust us, this will enhance the flavor of your gravy.
Thicken the Gravy with Broth and Cornstarch
In a glass measuring cup, whisk together 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth and 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, scraping up any tasty bits stuck to the bottom. Increase the heat to high to bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce it to medium. Stir regularly while it thickens—this will take about 4-5 minutes.
Combine Meatballs with Gravy
Return your beautifully browned meatballs to the skillet and spoon the savory gravy over them. This is where the magic truly happens, as the flavors meld together!
Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
Lastly, take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle ¾ cup of shredded cheese—Gruyere, Swiss, or mozzarella—over the meatballs. Let it rest uncovered for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt to perfection. If you crave an extra crispy top, consider broiling it for just a minute or two, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Now, your French onion meatballs are ready to serve over cooked noodles, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty sourdough bread. Enjoy!
Variations on French Onion Meatballs
Gluten-free French Onion Meatballs
No need to miss out on this comforting dish if you’re living gluten-free! Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free varieties or even crushed gluten-free crackers. Serve these delicious meatballs over fluffy mashed potatoes or gluten-free noodles for a satisfying meal. You’ll love the rich flavors in every bite!
Dairy-free French Onion Meatballs
For those who need to avoid dairy, creating a delicious French Onion Meatballs experience is still well within reach. Substitute the milk with your favorite unsweetened non-dairy option, like almond or oat milk. And forgo the shredded cheese on top—it’s still packed with flavor and pleasure without dairy! Enjoy this dish just as much as its creamy counterpart.
Explore more dairy-free options and tips for versatile cooking to suit your dietary needs!
Cooking notes for French Onion Meatballs
Tips for perfect meatballs
To achieve tender and juicy French Onion Meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Just combine the ingredients until blended. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form uniform-sized meatballs for even cooking. For an extra flavor boost, try using sautéed Turkey Bacon or herbs like thyme or parsley in the mix.
Adjusting the gravy consistency
If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk in additional cornstarch dissolved in a bit of cold water. For a thinner sauce, simply add more low-sodium beef broth. Remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly; a sprinkle of salt or pepper can elevate those delicious flavors! Enjoy this hearty dish with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Serving suggestions for French Onion Meatballs
Best sides to pair with meatballs
Wondering what to serve alongside your French Onion Meatballs? Consider these delicious options:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up that rich gravy.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they’ll balance the savory flavors.
- Cooked Noodles: A simple yet satisfying companion.
Each of these sides complements the flavors beautifully, making your meal even more delightful.
Creative ideas for serving
Elevate your dining experience by being a little creative! Try:
- Meatball Sub Sandwiches: Load your French Onion Meatballs onto a toasted hoagie, adding some sautéed onions and melted cheese for a twist.
- Stuffed Peppers: Mix meatballs with rice and vegetables, stuffing them into bell peppers before baking for a hearty meal.
- Meatball Gratins: Layer meatballs with sliced potatoes and grated cheese in a baking dish, then broil for a bubbly, golden finish.
With these ideas, your meal will not just satisfy but impress too!
Time Details for French Onion Meatballs
Preparation Time
Get ready in just 20 minutes by mixing meat and preparing your skillet!
Cooking Time
The mouthwatering cooking process takes an additional 20 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
Total Time
In just 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
If you're looking for tips on cooking techniques or ingredient substitutions, feel free to check out our cooking guide for more inspiration! And remember, if you want to elevate those meatballs even further, consider topping them with homemade Turkey Bacon for a savory kick!
Nutritional Information for French Onion Meatballs
When whipping up a batch of French Onion Meatballs, it's good to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here's a quick breakdown to guide you:
Calories
Each serving (¼ of the recipe) contains about 321 calories. This makes it a hearty yet manageable meal for your weekday dinner.
Protein
You'll get a significant boost with 34 grams of protein per serving, making these meatballs an excellent choice for staying full and satisfied after dinner.
Sodium
However, keep an eye on your sodium intake, as one serving has around 622 milligrams of sodium. Pairing these meatballs with fresh veggies or a side salad can help balance your meal!
Enjoy your cooking adventure, and feel free to check out more on nutrition at sites like the USDA FoodData Central for more details.
FAQs about French Onion Meatballs
Can I make French Onion Meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and the gravy separately in advance. Just store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the meatballs and gravy in a skillet until warmed through, add the cheese, and let it melt for that delicious gooey finish.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To keep your French Onion Meatballs fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them! They can last up to 3 months when stored properly. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While Gruyere is a classic choice for French Onion Meatballs, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or mozzarella. Each will bring its own unique flavor and meltiness to the dish. Just remember to keep it cheesy!
Conclusion on French Onion Meatballs
These French Onion Meatballs are a delightful fusion of comfort food and classic flavors. They’re easy to prepare in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! Perfect for a cozy dinner, serve them with noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to savor every drop of that rich gravy. Enjoy!
French Onion Meatballs (One Skillet Recipe)
Equipment
- skillet
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 0.25 cup finely diced yellow onion ~¼ of an onion
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 0.25 teaspoon fine salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- cooking spray
- 0.75 cup shredded Gruyere, Swiss, or mozzarella cheese (3 ounces)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For the Gravy
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 0.5 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves finely minced
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
Optional for serving
- sliced crusty sourdough bread topped with cheese and lightly broiled
- cooked noodles
- mashed potatoes
Instructions
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, ¼ cup diced onion, 2 minced cloves garlic, the bread crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and, using wet hands, form the mixture into 16 evenly sized balls (each about the size of a golf ball).
- Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Generously mist the skillet with cooking spray. When the skillet is hot, add the meatballs, being careful not to crowd them.
- Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, 2-3 minutes per side for a total of 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through. Then remove the meatballs to a clean plate and cover to keep warm.
- To the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the 2 teaspoons of olive oil and swirl to coat.
- Add the onions and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 7-8 minutes.
- Add the 2 cloves garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- In a glass measuring cup, whisk the cornstarch into the broth until it is dissolved, then pour the broth mixture into the skillet. Use a spatula or spoon to scrape up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the gravy to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until thickened, stirring constantly, 4-5 minutes.
- Return the meatballs to the onion gravy in the skillet and spoon the gravy over them.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and top with the shredded cheese. Allow it to rest, uncovered, for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the gravy to thicken more.
- If desired, garnish meatballs with chopped fresh parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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