Tender Meatballs in Rich French Onion Gravy Topped with Melted Cheese

🧆🧅 French Onion Meatballs

Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in rich caramelized onion gravy and topped with melty cheese — this dish brings comfort food to a whole new level! 😍

🧾 Ingredients:

↪️For the Meatballs:

🔹 1 lb ground beef

🔹 ¼ cup breadcrumbs

🔹 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

🔹 1 egg

🔹 1 tsp garlic powder

🔹 1 tsp onion powder

🔹 Salt & pepper, to taste

🔹 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

↪️For the French Onion Sauce:

🔹 3 large onions, thinly sliced

🔹 2 tbsp butter

🔹 2 tbsp olive oil

🔹 1 tsp sugar

🔹 2 cloves garlic, minced

🔹 2 tbsp flour

🔹 2 cups beef broth

🔹 ¼ cup dry white wine (optional)

🔹 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

🔹 ½ tsp fresh thyme (or ¼ tsp dried thyme)

🔹 Salt & pepper, to taste

🔹 1½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

🔹 Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

▶️ 1. Make the Meatballs:

👉 In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

👉 Form into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs.

👉 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs on all sides (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.

▶️ 2. Caramelize the Onions:

👉 In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil.

👉 Add sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes.

👉 Add sugar halfway through to help them caramelize.

👉 Stir in garlic and cook 1–2 more minutes.

▶️ 3. Build the Sauce:

👉 Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well.

👉 Cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

👉 Slowly pour in beef broth and wine (if using), whisking to prevent lumps.

👉 Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.

▶️ 4. Finish the Dish:

👉 Return meatballs to the skillet and nestle them into the sauce.

👉 Cover and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked.

👉 Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover again until melted.

🍽️ Serve Hot:

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Absolutely comforting and loaded with flavor! 💯