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A close-up shot of golden-brown French onion meatballs arranged on a rustic white plate, topped with melted cheese and garnished with caramelized onion slices. The savory onion sauce glistens in the background, creating a rich and inviting scene.

French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce


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  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Contains gluten

Description

French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce is a comforting and flavor-packed dish that combines tender meatballs with a rich, caramelized onion sauce inspired by classic French onion soup. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this recipe offers a gourmet twist on traditional meatball dishes, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions. Experience the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors with easy-to-follow steps for a satisfying meal everyone will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added richness)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • For the onion sauce:
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. In a large skillet or oven-safe dish, brown the meatballs on medium heat until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside once cooked.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
  4. Add sugar to enhance caramelization, then pour in beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes.
  5. Place the cooked meatballs into the onion sauce and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to absorb flavors, ensuring they are heated through. Serve hot garnished with herbs or cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For a quicker cooking process, you can cook the meatballs in a Crock-Pot or skillet instead of baking.
  • Adjust seasoning and sweetness by adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to taste.
  • This dish pairs well with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg