why make this recipe
French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions with tender meatballs. This recipe brings a taste of France to your dinner table, making it perfect for family meals or special occasions. Its savory taste and easy preparation make it a favorite among home cooks.
how to make French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into small, one-inch diameter meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions are caramelized and tender, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beef broth, soy sauce, thyme, and sugar to the caramelized onions. Simmer for 10 minutes to create a rich, savory onion sauce.
- Place the cooked meatballs into the onion sauce and simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired, alongside mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread.
how to serve French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce
You can serve French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce hot, straight from the pan. They go well with side dishes like mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a fresh salad. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and flavor.
how to store French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce
To store leftovers, let the meatballs and sauce cool down completely. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce
- Make sure to finely chop the onion for the meatballs so that it blends well with the other ingredients.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the onion sauce.
- To save time, consider using pre-made meatballs instead of making them from scratch.
- For even richer flavor, let the onion sauce simmer longer.
variation
You can add different herbs and spices to the meatballs or sauce to suit your taste. For instance, try adding Italian seasoning or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce. You can also make it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
A: Yes, frozen meatballs work just fine. Just cook them according to package instructions and then add them to the onion sauce.
Q: What can I substitute for beef broth?
A: You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer. It will change the flavor slightly but will still be tasty.
Q: Can I make the onion sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the onion sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to add the meatballs.
French Onion Meatballs with Savory Onion Sauce
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious and comforting dish combining caramelized onions with tender meatballs, perfect for family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into small, one-inch diameter meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning frequently, until browned on all sides and cooked through, or bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil and add sliced onions. Cook over medium heat until caramelized and tender, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add beef broth, soy sauce, thyme, and sugar to the caramelized onions. Simmer for 10 minutes to create a rich, savory onion sauce.
- Place the cooked meatballs into the onion sauce and simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
To store leftovers, let cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: French