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Close-up of cheesy French Onion Meatballs melting in a cast iron skillet

Cheesy French Onion Meatballs

Emily Wilson
These Cheesy French Onion Meatballs combine the rich flavors of caramelized onions, juicy minced meat, and melted Gruyère cheese for a comforting beef dinner perfect for fall.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American Comfort
Servings 4 bowls
Calories 510 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb 450g ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cheese Finish Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp all‑purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Roll into 1‑inch meatballs and set aside.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown on all sides for about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet melt butter over medium‑low heat. Add the sliced onions and sugar and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden and soft.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat. Pour in the beef broth and add Worcestershire sauce, scraping the skillet bottom to release browned bits. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, cover, and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until cooked through.
  • Preheat your broiler. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meatballs and sauce and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with crusty bread, mashed potatoes or pasta.

Notes

Cook the onions slowly in butter and sugar to develop a deep caramelized flavor. Use the browned bits in the skillet to build flavor. Leftovers store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts:
  • Calories: 510
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Potassium: 650 mg
  • Vitamin A: 350 IU
  • Vitamin C: 12 mg
  • Calcium: 280 mg
  • Iron: 3.5 mg