French Onion Meatballs are a rich, savory twist on classic comfort food. These juicy beef meatballs are simmered in a deeply flavorful onion and beef broth gravy, inspired by the beloved French onion soup. Topped with melted cheese and served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread, this dish is the perfect blend of cozy and gourmet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Meatballs combine the satisfying bite of tender meatballs with the deep, caramelized flavor of French onion soup. It’s a one-pan recipe that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight meal. The melty cheese topping adds a delicious finishing touch that makes each bite irresistible. Comforting, cheesy, and full of umami flavor—this is a dish you’ll make again and again.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Garlic, minced
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Yellow onions, thinly sliced
Beef broth
Worcestershire sauce
Thyme (fresh or dried)
Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, shredded
Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

directions

In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper until combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more oil and the sliced onions. Cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until onions are deeply caramelized.
Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the broth for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked through.
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and stir it in to thicken.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and cook until cheese is melted.
Serve warm with mashed potatoes, noodles, or toasted bread.

Servings and timing

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

Chicken or Turkey: Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Make it a Casserole: Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish.
Add Wine: Replace some of the beef broth with dry white wine for an even deeper flavor.
Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Just add them to the simmering onion broth and cook until heated through.

What kind of cheese is best?

Gruyère is traditional and melts beautifully, but mozzarella or provolone are great substitutes.

How do I get deeply caramelized onions?

Cook them low and slow for 20–30 minutes, stirring often. Resist the urge to rush—they develop flavor as they brown gradually.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, the meatballs and sauce can be made a day in advance. Reheat and top with cheese just before serving.

What’s the best side dish?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread are all excellent options for soaking up the sauce.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free.

How do I thicken the sauce?

A cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) stirred into the simmering sauce will thicken it nicely.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes before adding to the sauce.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the meatballs and onions first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.

Can I freeze this dish?

Absolutely. Freeze in a sealed container with the sauce. Thaw and reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

French Onion Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food mash-up, bringing together the deep, rich flavors of caramelized onions and beefy broth with the heartiness of homemade meatballs. Melted cheese on top seals the deal, making this dish warm, savory, and utterly satisfying. Whether served with mashed potatoes or crusty bread, it’s a weeknight win or a cozy dinner party standout.

French Onion Meatballs