French Onion Meatballs (Print Version)
Ingredients:
01 -
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (or panko).
02 -
¼ cup + 2 tbsp whole milk.
03 -
1 ½ lbs ground beef (85/15 lean).
04 -
1 tbsp chopped parsley.
05 -
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish).
06 -
1 tsp herbes de Provence.
07 -
1 tsp salt.
08 -
¼ tsp black pepper.
09 -
½ large white onion, minced.
10 -
4 cloves garlic, minced.
11 -
¾ cup grated Gruyere cheese (divided).
12 -
1 egg, whisked.
13 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
14 -
4 tbsp olive oil (divided).
15 -
2 tbsp butter.
16 -
2 ½ large white onions, sliced.
17 -
1 tsp herbes de Provence (for sauce).
18 -
1 tsp dried thyme.
19 -
¼ cup sherry (or white wine).
20 -
1 ½ tbsp flour.
21 -
2 ¼ cups beef stock.
22 -
Salt and pepper to taste.
23 -
2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (for garnish).
Instructions:
01 -
Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. In a large bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs with ground beef, parsley, thyme, herbes de Provence, salt, pepper, minced onion, minced garlic, ¼ cup Gruyere cheese, and the whisked egg. Mix gently.
02 -
Shape the mixture into 2-tbsp-sized meatballs and chill for 15 minutes to firm up.
03 -
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
04 -
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté sliced onions with salt and pepper over medium heat, stirring frequently, until caramelized (20-25 minutes).
05 -
Add garlic, herbes de Provence, and dried thyme to the onions. Stir well. Deglaze the pan with sherry or white wine, cooking until reduced.
06 -
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef stock, simmering for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
07 -
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them in the onion sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining Gruyere cheese.
08 -
Place the skillet under a broiler and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
09 -
Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve hot with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes.
Notes:
01 -
French Onion Meatballs combine juicy, flavorful meatballs with a rich caramelized onion sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese.
02 -
Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, this dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes.