Name: French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp fresh thyme; 1 cup Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded

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These French Onion Meatballs bring together the comforting flavors of classic French onion soup and juicy, tender meatballs. Each bite is rich, hearty, and smothered in a savory onion sauce that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s a cozy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or when I want to impress guests with something a little special but still easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish transforms simple ingredients into something so flavorful and satisfying. The combination of caramelized onions, beef broth, and melted cheese gives it that irresistible French onion taste. The meatballs stay juicy, and the sauce coats them perfectly. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a crusty slice of bread to soak up all that delicious gravy. French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Onion, finely chopped
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic, minced
Worcestershire sauce
Beef broth
Flour (for thickening the sauce)
Butter
Olive oil
Salt and black pepper
Fresh thyme
Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
I mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined.
I roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1½ inches in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
I bake them for about 15–20 minutes, until they’re browned and cooked through.
While the meatballs bake, I prepare the onion sauce. In a large skillet, I melt butter and olive oil over medium heat, then add sliced onions and cook slowly until caramelized, about 20 minutes.
I sprinkle flour over the onions and stir well, letting it cook for about 2 minutes.
I pour in beef broth gradually, stirring until a smooth sauce forms. I season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Once the meatballs are done, I add them to the onion sauce, simmering for another 5 minutes so they absorb the flavors.
I top everything with shredded Gruyère cheese and let it melt before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation takes roughly 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 40 minutes total. French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce

Variations

Sometimes I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. I’ve also tried adding a splash of red wine to the onion sauce for extra depth. If I’m in the mood for something indulgent, I serve the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm them gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much. These meatballs also freeze well for up to 2 months — I just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, I like to form and bake the meatballs a day ahead, then make the sauce and combine everything before serving.

What cheese works best for the topping?

I prefer Gruyère for its nutty flavor, but Swiss or provolone also melts beautifully.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, I swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

What should I serve with French Onion Meatballs?

I usually serve them with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

How do I keep the meatballs tender?

I avoid overmixing the meatball mixture and make sure not to overbake them — this keeps them juicy and soft.

Conclusion

These French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce are the perfect comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. I love how the caramelized onions and melty cheese elevate a simple meatball dish into something special. Whether I’m cooking for my family or hosting friends, this recipe always brings that warm, cozy feeling to the table.