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French Onion Meatballs with Toasted Baguette and Melted Cheese Recipe

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3.8 from 1 review

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

These French Onion Meatballs combine juicy, flavorful beef meatballs with a savory onion and garlic sauce inspired by the classic French onion soup. Served atop toasted baguette slices with melted cheese, this comforting dish offers a perfect balance of hearty meat, caramelized onions, and cheesy goodness for an easy and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 – 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

  • 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons corn starch

Bread Topping

  • 8 slices French baguette
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Combine: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined, forming the meatball mixture.
  2. Form meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, scoop the mixture and shape into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, then place them in the hot skillet.
  3. Cook meatballs: Fry the meatballs for 7 to 10 minutes, turning every few minutes to avoid burning and ensure even cooking until they are cooked through. Remove meatballs from skillet and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  4. Sauté onions: In the same skillet over medium-high heat, add thinly sliced onions and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and aromatic. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  5. Make sauce: Whisk together beef broth and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the mixture into the skillet with the onions, stirring continuously to scrape up browned bits from the pan. Cook on high heat for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Add meatballs to sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and spoon the thickened onion sauce over them.
  7. Let rest: Allow the meatballs and sauce to rest uncovered for 5 minutes so the sauce can thicken further and the meatballs reheat.
  8. Preheat oven: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  9. Prepare bread: Lightly brush both sides of each baguette slice with olive oil and arrange on the baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 4 minutes until lightly browned.
  10. Cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded cheese onto each toasted bread slice and return to oven for an additional 2 minutes until the cheese melts and is bubbly.
  11. Serve: Place two pieces of the toasted, cheesy baguette on each serving plate and spoon the French onion meatballs with sauce alongside or atop the bread, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Using a mix of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese adds authentic French onion flavor.
  • For crispier meatballs, avoid overcrowding the skillet while frying.
  • Adjust salt according to your beef broth’s sodium content.
  • Serve leftovers within 2 days and reheat gently to avoid drying out the meatballs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/french-onion-meatballs-with-toasted-baguette-and-melted-cheese-recipe/