Description
Juicy, tender meatballs swimming in rich caramelized onion gravy and topped with melted Gruyere cheese. This comfort food classic combines the best of French onion soup with perfectly seasoned beef meatballs.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, beaten
1/4 cup whole milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
1/4 cup fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk, let soak 5 minutes
2. Mix ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, salt and pepper gently
3. Form mixture into 20 evenly-sized meatballs using cookie scoop
4. Heat olive oil in large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat
5. Sear meatballs in batches, browning all sides for 6-8 minutes total
6. Remove meatballs and set aside
7. Add sliced onions to same pan with pinch of salt
8. Cook onions 15-20 minutes until deeply caramelized and golden
9. Return meatballs to skillet with caramelized onions
10. Add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, bring to simmer
11. Cover and cook 15 minutes until meatballs reach 165°F internal temperature
12. Top with shredded Gruyere cheese and fresh thyme
13. Cover 3-5 minutes until cheese melts completely
Notes
For best results, don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs
Ground turkey can substitute for beef but add extra moisture
Gruyere can be replaced with Swiss cheese or sharp cheddar
Recipe freezes well for up to 3 months
Reheat gently with extra broth to prevent drying
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: meatballs, french onion, comfort food, ground beef, cheese