French Onion Soup Meatballs

Indulge in these French Onion Soup Meatballs, a delicious fusion of juicy meatballs, rich caramelized onions, and savory beefy onion sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy gatherings, or holiday appetizers, this dish pairs the timeless flavors of French onion soup with hearty meatballs. Serve with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty French bread to soak up the mouthwatering sauce. Whether you’re searching for easy meatball recipes, comfort food casseroles, or onion soup-inspired dishes, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy!

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

• 1 very large yellow onion, sliced into thin strings
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ¼ cup beef broth
• ¼ cup cabernet wine (or substitute with Merlot)

Meatballs

• 1.5 pounds ground beef
• 1 slice white bread, soaked in milk
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg
• 4 thin slices provolone or mozzarella cheese (or grated cheese)

Sauce

• 2 cups water
• 1 packet beefy onion dry soup mix (from a 2.2 oz box)
• ½ teaspoon chicken “Better than Bouillon”, optional
• ¼ cup cabernet wine
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

Prepare the Caramelized Onions

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, thyme, salt, and sugar. Stir to coat the onions evenly.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes until onions are golden brown and caramelized.
3. Add the beef broth and wine. Stir and let simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk-soaked bread, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix until well combined.
2. Add the ground beef and mix gently with your hands until evenly combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs.

Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the same pot used for the onions. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides over medium heat. Work in batches if needed, adding more oil as necessary.
2. Reduce the heat if the meatballs are browning too quickly. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, whisk together water, beefy onion soup mix, Better than Bouillon (if using), wine, and cornstarch. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
2. Optional: Let the meatballs soak in the sauce overnight in the refrigerator to enhance flavor.

Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 370°F (190°C).
2. In a baking dish or cast iron skillet, combine the caramelized onions, browned meatballs, and prepared sauce. Top with grated or sliced provolone or mozzarella cheese.
3. Bake for 20 minutes, checking after 15. Remove from the oven once the cheese is melted, hot, and bubbly.
4. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Comforting: Combines the flavors of French onion soup with hearty, juicy meatballs.
• Cheesy Perfection: Topped with melted mozzarella or provolone for a gooey, savory finish.
• Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, or party dishes.

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Tips

• Caramelizing Onions: Low and slow is the key to deeply caramelized onions. Don’t rush this step!
• Make Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance for a stress-free meal.
• Cheese Tip: For best results, use freshly grated cheese. Pre-packaged grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat Options: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Wine-Free: Substitute wine with additional beef broth if you prefer not to use alcohol.
• Extra Herbs: Add rosemary or Italian seasoning for more depth of flavor.

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FAQs

Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes! Prepare the meatballs and caramelized onions, assemble with sauce, and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What wine works best?
Cabernet or Merlot adds depth, but any dry red wine will work. If you prefer white wine, use a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc.

Can I use pre-made meatballs?
Absolutely! Use high-quality pre-made meatballs to save time.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Serve over mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or buttered noodles for a hearty meal.
• Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing party dish.
• Bread Pairing: Don’t forget crusty French bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce!

These French Onion Soup Meatballs combine classic flavors with a creative twist that’s sure to impress. From the deeply caramelized onions to the gooey cheese topping, this dish is a flavor-packed comfort food favorite!