When I think of comfort food, French onion soup is always at the top of my list. Now, imagine that same cozy flavor encapsulated in a meatball. Yes, you heard right! This French Onion Soup Meatballs recipe takes all the goodness of that traditional soup and transforms it into bite-sized perfection.
If you’re a fan of rich, savory dishes, you’ll love this one! As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’m here to guide you through this delicious journey. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
What Are French Onion Soup Meatballs?
French Onion Soup Meatballs blend the classic tastes of French onion soup—think sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese—within juicy meatballs. The onions are slowly cooked to achieve that deep, sweet flavor characteristic of the soup.
Then, they are mixed with ground beef and formed into mouthwatering meatballs, all coated in a scrumptious sauce. This dish delivers everything you love about the classic soup but in a fun and hearty new format.
How Does It Taste?
If you’ve ever had a bowl of French onion soup, you can expect a similar experience with these meatballs. The sweetness from the onions plays beautifully against the rich broth and cheese. There’s a comforting warmth that envelops every bite.
The umami from the beef and the subtle tang from the Dijon mustard enhance the overall flavor profile. You get that satisfying experience of gooey cheese melting in your mouth paired with a juicy meatball, taking your taste buds on a culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly comforting and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Second, it’s relatively easy to prepare—most of the work is in the onions, and then it’s smooth sailing.
Finally, it’s versatile! You can serve these meatballs over pasta, on a sub roll, or even as an appetizer at your next gathering. Every bite packs a flavor punch, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Onions:
- 2 large sweet white onions, finely sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly julienned
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1/3 cup dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6 ounces Gruyère cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by taking a large skillet and adding your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions. Stir every so often, allowing them to cook slowly. Caramelization takes time—around 25 to 30 minutes. Once they start becoming golden brown, add the garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and sugar. Remember that sugar will help deepen the flavor. Keep stirring!
Step 2: Deglaze with Wine
Next, it’s time to enhance your onion mixture. Pour in the dry white wine. This step will not only deglaze the pan but also bring out those gorgeous caramelized flavors. Let this simmer until most of the wine evaporates—about 5 minutes will do.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Balsamic
After the wine has evaporated, add the butter and balsamic vinegar. Stir until the butter has melted and everything is well coated. Remove from heat and let this mixture cool slightly while you prepare the meatballs.
Step 4: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well but avoid overhandling the meat. This will help keep the meatballs tender.
Step 5: Incorporate the Onions
Once the onion mixture has cooled down, fold it into the meat mixture. This step is where you get that rich French onion flavor into every meatball. Form the mixture into meatballs—about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 6: Bake the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.
Step 7: Prepare the Sauce
While the meatballs are baking, let’s focus on the sauce. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Whisk in the gluten-free flour to thicken it. Then, add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir this mixture well, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 8: Add Cheese to the Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, take it off the heat and stir in the Gruyère cheese until it’s melted and creamy. This is the moment where everything starts to come together.
Step 9: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
Finally, take your baked meatballs and gently toss them in the cheesy sauce. Let them soak for a moment, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips on Making French Onion Soup Meatballs
- Quality Meat: Choose a good quality ground beef for better flavor.
- Do Not Rush: Take your time while caramelizing the onions. Patience is key!
- Mix Gently: When handling the meat mixture, avoid over-mixing to maintain lightness.
- Cheese Options: If you can’t find Gruyère, feel free to substitute with your favorite meltable cheese.
- Broth Matters: Consider using homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor!
How to Store French Onion Soup Meatballs
You can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just make sure they cool down before sealing them up. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze quite well! Place them in a freezer-safe container and they can last for about three months. Just remember to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Other Substitute Options for French Onion Soup Meatballs
If you want to switch things up or if you have allergies, here are some great alternatives:
- Ground Turkey: Swap out beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Cashew Cream: For a dairy-free version, replace the cheese with cashew cream.
- Zucchini Noodles: Instead of pasta or bread, serve the meatballs on a bed of zucchini noodles for a light meal.
- Oven-Roasted Mushrooms: Use portobello caps as a fun base where you can spoon the meatball and sauce combo.
- Vegetable Broth: For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms and vegetable broth in place of the beef.
Conclusion
There you have it! French Onion Soup Meatballs are a fantastic fusion of classic flavors wrapped in a meaty package. Whether you enjoy them on their own, with pasta, or nestled inside a hoagie, they’re sure to impress.
They bring comfort and satisfaction to any dinner table, making them ideal for those cozy nights in or lively gatherings with friends. As you step into your kitchen and whip these up, I hope you share the experience with loved ones. Here’s to happy cooking and even happier eating! Enjoy!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
- Longhorn French Onion Soup Copycat Recipe
- How to Make Julia Child’s French Onion Soup
- Best Campbell’s French Onion Soup Recipe
French Onion Soup Meatballs Recipe – Gourmet And Food
Description
Before diving into the deliciousness of French Onion Soup Meatballs, let's talk about what to pair them with. These meatballs are rich and flavorful, which means they deserve a lovely sidekick at mealtime.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness. Think about a citrusy arugula salad or a crisp Caesar. Crusty bread is also a must—let's be real, who doesn’t love dipping bread into this velvety sauce?
Consider serving alongside classic French fries or roasted vegetables for an extra crunch. Lastly, a glass of chilled white wine, perhaps a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay, will elevate your dining experience.
Ingredients
For the Onions:
For the Meatballs:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
-
Start by taking a large skillet and adding your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions. Stir every so often, allowing them to cook slowly. Caramelization takes time—around 25 to 30 minutes. Once they start becoming golden brown, add the garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and sugar. Remember that sugar will help deepen the flavor. Keep stirring!
Step 2: Deglaze with Wine
-
Next, it’s time to enhance your onion mixture. Pour in the dry white wine. This step will not only deglaze the pan but also bring out those gorgeous caramelized flavors. Let this simmer until most of the wine evaporates—about 5 minutes will do.
Step 3: Add the Butter and Balsamic
-
After the wine has evaporated, add the butter and balsamic vinegar. Stir until the butter has melted and everything is well coated. Remove from heat and let this mixture cool slightly while you prepare the meatballs.
Step 4: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
-
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, almond flour, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well but avoid overhandling the meat. This will help keep the meatballs tender.
Step 5: Incorporate the Onions
-
Once the onion mixture has cooled down, fold it into the meat mixture. This step is where you get that rich French onion flavor into every meatball. Form the mixture into meatballs—about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 6: Bake the Meatballs
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through.
Step 7: Prepare the Sauce
-
While the meatballs are baking, let’s focus on the sauce. In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Whisk in the gluten-free flour to thicken it. Then, add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir this mixture well, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 8: Add Cheese to the Sauce
-
Once the sauce has thickened, take it off the heat and stir in the Gruyère cheese until it’s melted and creamy. This is the moment where everything starts to come together.
Step 9: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
-
Finally, take your baked meatballs and gently toss them in the cheesy sauce. Let them soak for a moment, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 514kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 31.6g49%
- Saturated Fat 14.2g71%
- Trans Fat 0.7g
- Cholesterol 140mg47%
- Sodium 990mg42%
- Total Carbohydrate 19g7%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 40g80%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Quality Meat: Choose a good quality ground beef for better flavor.
- Do Not Rush: Take your time while caramelizing the onions. Patience is key!
- Mix Gently: When handling the meat mixture, avoid over-mixing to maintain lightness.
- Cheese Options: If you can’t find Gruyère, feel free to substitute with your favorite meltable cheese.
- Broth Matters: Consider using homemade chicken broth for the richest flavor!
