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French Onion Meatballs with Rich Sauce

French Onion Meatballs with Rich Sauce
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French Onion Meatballs with Rich Sauce combines sweet caramelized onions and juicy meatballs in a savory, velvety sauce that delivers bold and comforting flavors. This versatile dish is perfect as a main course, appetizer, or party snack, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it’s ideal for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef and pork mix
  • 1/2 cup French bread crumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Caramelized Onions & Sauce

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Optional Topping

  • 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or parmesan/mozzarella as alternatives)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Slice the onions thinly and cook them slowly in butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until they turn deep golden brown and sweet, forming the base of the sauce.
  2. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef and pork mix, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper without overworking to ensure tender meatballs.
  3. Shape and brown the meatballs: Form evenly sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Brown them in a hot skillet with a little oil to develop a crust while keeping the inside moist. Remove and set aside.
  4. Make the rich onion sauce: In the same skillet, add the caramelized onions back along with the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Combine meatballs and sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them with the onion sauce. Simmer on low for about 15 minutes to finish cooking and meld flavors.
  6. Optional cheese topping: Sprinkle grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese on the meatballs and place the skillet under a broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly to avoid burnt or bitter flavors and develop deep sweetness.
  • Do not overmix meatball ingredients to prevent tough texture.
  • Ensure the skillet is hot enough to brown meatballs evenly for a flavorful crust.
  • Use fresh thyme or rosemary for enhanced aroma instead of dried herbs.
  • If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered longer; add more broth if too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion meatballs, caramelized onions, rich sauce, comfort food, savory meatballs, crowd-pleaser, easy dinner

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/french-onion-meatballs-with-rich-sauce/