French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce are a comforting twist on the classic French onion soup. Juicy, tender meatballs are smothered in a caramelized onion sauce, topped with melted cheese, and baked until bubbly. It’s everything you love about the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup transformed into a hearty, family-friendly dinner.
This dish is perfect for weeknights when you want comfort food that feels special, or for weekends when you’re entertaining guests. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread for a filling and unforgettable meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Onion Sauce:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon flour (to thicken)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
Preparation
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown.
- Add garlic and thyme, cooking for 1–2 more minutes.
- Deglaze with balsamic vinegar if using.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to coat.
- Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring until sauce thickens slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Add baked meatballs to the skillet with the onion sauce.
- Spoon sauce over meatballs and simmer 5 minutes to absorb flavor.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
- Transfer meatballs and sauce to a baking dish.
- Top with shredded Gruyère or mozzarella.
- Broil or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Variations
- Turkey Version: Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Cheese Swap: Try Swiss, provolone, or fontina instead of Gruyère.
- Creamy Onion Sauce: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs and use almond flour in the meatballs.
Cooking Notes
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to deep, sweet flavor.
- Use high-quality beef broth for the best results.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen, just add them to sauce when ready.
Serving Suggestions
- Over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty dinner.
- With a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the onion sauce.
- Alongside a green salad for a balanced meal.
Tips
- Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
- Don’t rush the onions,they need time to caramelize properly.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Let dish rest a few minutes after baking before serving.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 680mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make French onion meatballs ahead of time?
- Yes, cook meatballs and sauce separately, refrigerate, then combine and bake with cheese before serving.
Q2: Can I freeze French onion meatballs?
- Yes, freeze baked or unbaked meatballs up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in sauce.
Q3: What onions work best?
- Yellow onions caramelize beautifully, but sweet onions can also be used.
Q4: Can I make this recipe without baking at the end?
- Yes, simply melt cheese on top in the skillet if you don’t want to use the oven.
Q5: What side dish pairs best?
- Mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles make the perfect base for the sauce.
Conclusion
French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce bring together the comforting flavors of French onion soup and juicy meatballs in one irresistible dish. With caramelized onions, savory broth, melted cheese, and tender meatballs, this recipe is hearty, comforting, and perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.