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French onion style meatballs topped with melted cheese and rich onion gravy ready for serving
Isaac blogger

Cheesy Onion Meatballs

Tender baked meatballs combined with caramelized onions, savory broth, and melted Gruyère cheese. Inspired by classic French onion flavors, this comforting skillet dinner is ideal for family meals and cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 32
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: French-Inspired
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 small bunch fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2½ tsp kosher salt, divided
  • ¾ tsp black pepper, divided
  • 1½ lbs ground beef
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 14.5 oz can beef broth
  • 1 tsp balsamic or sherry vinegar

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Use a thermometer to confirm proper doneness of ground beef.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  5. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
  6. In a large bowl, combine garlic, thyme, a portion of the grated cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add ground beef and mix gently until combined.
  7. Shape and Bake
  8. Form into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Bake 15–20 minutes, until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
  9. Caramelize the Onions
  10. While meatballs bake, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
  11. Prepare the Sauce
  12. Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir. Gradually add beef broth while whisking. Simmer 6–8 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar.
  13. Combine and Broil
  14. Add baked meatballs to the skillet and coat with sauce. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top. Broil briefly until the cheese melts and lightly browns, watching closely to prevent burning.
  15. Rest and Serve
  16. Allow the skillet to rest briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Cook meatballs until fully done and reaching 160°F (71°C).
  • Caramelize onions slowly to prevent burning.
  • Broil only until cheese melts and lightly browns.
  • Refrigerate leftovers promptly and store airtight up to 4 days.
  • Reheat until heated through and steaming before serving.