Easy French Onion Meatballs

Name: Easy French Onion Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (85% lean); ½ cup bread crumbs (seasoned); 1 large egg; 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup butter; 3 large onions (sliced); 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 cup gruyere cheese (shredded); fresh thyme (optional garnish)

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Easy French Onion Meatballs feature a blend of caramelized onions and homemade meatballs in an irresistible sauce! This comforting meal tastes like a bowl of classic french onion soup topped with gooey cheese. Easy to make from scratch using simple ingredients!

Need more meatball recipes? Try my Baked Ziti with Meatballs that are perfect for sharing, or these Tailgate Meatballs for a winning appetizer on Game Day.

Skillet filled with French Onion Meatballs.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

🥘 One Pan Meal - make in one skillet on the stove top for ease and convenience.

🧆 Simple Ingredients - there's no dry onion soup mix in this recipe, only simple ingredients with homemade flavor.

❤️ Easy to Make - an uncomplicated recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners.

I'm a french onion soup lover, how about you? It's my go-to soup whenever I see it on a restaurant menu. That's why I'm excited to share these juicy meatballs with french onion sauce that tastes just like the real deal. The melted cheese with a stretchy pull gets me every time!

Plate filled with meatballs, mashed potatoes and green beans.

When you're craving a simple meal that's loaded with flavor, this homemade meatball recipe is exactly what you need. Add a loaf of cheese stuffed garlic bread, and your whole family will beg for more!

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card at the end of this page for quantities, tips and notes.

ground beef - 85% lean makes a tender meatball
large egg - binds the meatball mixture together
bread crumbs - I use the seasoned kind
Worcestershire sauce - adds savory flavor to the beef
garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper - basic seasonings
butter - for caramelizing the onions
sliced onions - sliced for best results
all-purpose flour - use a cornstarch slurry if preferred
beef broth - can substitute beef stock for lower sodium
dried thyme - use dried thyme for the sauce, and fresh thyme for a garnish if desired
gruyère cheese - shredded - use Swiss cheese if you can't find gruyère

Instructions

1 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder and salt and pepper. Mix until just combined and form into 1-inch meatballs.

2 - Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

3 - In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter. Add sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to coat.

4 - Slowly add the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the dried thyme and bring to a simmer.

5 - Return the meatballs to the skillet, covering them with the french onion sauce. Let simmer for about 10 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce thickens.

6 - Sprinkle shredded Gruyère over the meatballs and cover the skillet with a lid. Simmer for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

Variations

🥦 Add Veggies - you can sneak a few veggies into the meatballs like chopped zucchini, broccoli or spinach to add more nutrients.

🍗 Switch the Beef - substitute another ground meat like chicken, pork or turkey.

🧀 Change the Cheese - switch up the cheese by choosing Swiss, pepper jack, Monterey Jack or mozzarella.

🍷 Wine - add a splash of white wine for deeper flavor.

Recipe FAQs

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

If you don’t have Gruyère, you can use Swiss cheese (closest in flavor), mozzarella (for a milder, gooey melt), or provolone (for a slightly sharper taste).

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then add them to a slow cooker with the caramelized onions, broth, and thyme. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add the cheese in the last 15 minutes before serving.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Sure, but making these homemade french onion meatballs is super easy and so much tastier! However, it will knock a few minutes off your prep time if you want to use the frozen variety.

French Onion Meatballs in skillet ready to serve.

What To Serve With French Onion Meatballs

🥗 Salad - a mixed green salad tastes great with this dish.

🥖 Bread - serve with a loaf of crusty french bread, or make a sandwich with a toasted baguette.

🍚 Sides - try mashed potatoes, a side of white rice, or egg noodles to soak up the sauce.

Cooking Tips

Caramelizing onions takes time—don't rush the process by turning up the heat. Medium-low heat is best for a rich, deep flavor. Stir occasionally, but let them sit for a few minutes between stirs to help them develop color.
Don’t over mix the meatball mixture, as this can make them tough. Mix just until combined.
To thicken the sauce without flour, let it simmer longer to reduce naturally or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).