Stuffed with caramelized onions and mozzarella, these French Onion Meatballs are a hearty meal inspired by the classic au gratin soup recipe. A comfort food dinner the entire family will enjoy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My family and I love this recipe, thank you! I cook this all the time. -Rachelle
YIELD
5 servings
TOTAL TIME
1 hr 30 mins
Ingredients For the onions: – 1 Tablespoon olive oil – 2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced – 1/2 Tablespoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme – 1 teaspoon salt – 1/2 teaspoon pepper – 1/4 cup beef broth – 1/4 cup red wine or more beef broth
Ingredients For the meatballs: – 1 1/2 lbs ground beef – 1/4 cup bread crumbs or ground oats, gluten free, if needed – 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley – 3/4 teaspoon pepper – 1 teaspoon kosher salt – 1 large egg – 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut about 1-2 oz. into sixteen approximately half-inch cubes to stuff the meatballs, then shred the rest – 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil – Fresh chopped parsley for garnish, optional
Ingredients For the sauce: – 1 3/4 cup beef broth – 1/4 cup red wine or more beef broth – 2 Tablespoons cornstarch – salt & pepper to taste
1
Heat oil in a skillet over medium, add onions, salt & pepper, cook 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently or until caramelized.
2
Add thyme, sauté for minute or two, then add the wine and beef broth. Reduce until very little liquid remains. Set aside.
3
Combine all ingredients except the cheese in a large bowl, and gently combine with your hands.
4
Divide the meat mixture into sixteen equal pieces and flatten each one. Place about a half tablespoon of the onions and one cube of cheese in the center.
5
Wrap the meatball around the onions and cheese, sealing as best you can. Repeat with the remaining meat, onions, and cheese cubes.
6
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides.
7
Whisk together the sauce ingredients and pour over the meatballs. Place in the oven and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
8
Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meatballs and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through, then broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy over rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or just one their own.