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French Onion Meatballs with Rich Sauce

French Onion Meatballs with Rich Sauce
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Cozy and sophisticated French Onion Meatballs with Rich Sauce combine tender, juicy meatballs infused with caramelized onions and a deeply flavorful onion-based sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this easy-to-make recipe balances rich, savory flavors with a gourmet touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or a blend of beef and pork
  • 2 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth or stock
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary, 1-2 teaspoons chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Thinly slice the onions and cook them slowly in butter and olive oil over low heat. Stir frequently and allow them to gently brown until golden and jammy, developing the signature sweet, deep flavor.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, half of the caramelized onions, bread crumbs, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender and flavorful.
  3. Shape and Brown the Meatballs: Form the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. Brown them well in a hot skillet with oil, turning carefully so each side develops a caramelized crust that locks in juices.
  4. Make the Rich Onion Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little butter and flour to the leftover pan drippings to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, then stir in the remaining caramelized onions and herbs. Simmer until the sauce thickens and develops a deep, rich flavor.
  5. Simmer Meatballs in the Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything simmer gently for 15-20 minutes so the meatballs cook through and absorb the luscious French onion flavors.

Notes

  • Take your time caramelizing onions over low heat to avoid bitterness and develop their natural sweetness.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender instead of tough.
  • Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking and an attractive presentation.
  • Use good quality beef broth to enhance the depth of flavor in the sauce.
  • Allow meatballs to rest a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain moistness.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion meatballs, rich onion sauce, caramelized onions, comfort food, easy meatballs, savory sauce, make-ahead meatballs

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