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Cheesy Onion Balls

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

Tried these onion meatballs last night, and wow, just wow! Slowly browned the onions till golden, then let the meatballs soak up all that goodness. Topped them with layers of gooey cheese and baked. Couldn’t stop dunking bread in the rich sauce. Perfect for chilly days, and guess what? No leftovers—ate it all!
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Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:48:16 GMT
Pan of cheesy, saucy meatballs topped with fresh greens. Pin it
Pan of cheesy, saucy meatballs topped with fresh greens. | tasteofmoms.com

Warm French Onion Meatballs From Grandma's Kitchen

I've gotta tell you about my go-to comfort dish - French onion meatballs. I mixed the best parts of classic French onion soup with soft, juicy meatballs drowning in a rich onion gravy and finished with melted, stretchy cheese on top. Each bite feels like a warm hug, and it's even better when you've got some crusty bread nearby to mop up that wonderful sauce.

What Makes These French Onion Meatballs So Special

These meatballs transform the classic soup into something you can really sink your teeth into. When you put together those tasty meatballs, the thick onion gravy, and that layer of melted cheese, something magical happens. You can enjoy them with bread for soaking up the sauce or on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes - either way, everyone at your table will ask for seconds.

What You'll Need

  • Ground Beef: I pick organic grass fed beef because it's juicier and tastes better.
  • Fresh Thyme: It gives that lovely herbal flavor throughout the dish.
  • Gruyere and Mozzarella Cheese: The first brings flavor, the second melts perfectly.
  • Caramelized Onions: Don't rush this step - slow cooking makes them amazing.
  • Sherry: Just a tiny bit makes everything taste better.
  • Herbes de Provence: My little trick for that authentic French taste.
A cast iron skillet filled with cheese-covered meatballs garnished with herbs in a savory sauce. Pin it
A cast iron skillet filled with cheese-covered meatballs garnished with herbs in a savory sauce. | tasteofmoms.com

Cooking Steps

Get Your Meatballs Ready
Combine all the meatball stuff with a light touch, shape them into balls and stick them in the fridge to firm up - they'll cook better that way.
Brown Them Up
Cook the meatballs in a heavy pan until they're nicely browned all around.
Create That Sauce
Cook those onions slowly until they turn sweet and golden brown.
Layer The Flavors
Throw in your spices, a splash of sherry and beef stock, then let everything bubble away into something delicious.
Finish It Off
Put the meatballs back in, sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt under the broiler until bubbly.

Tips From My Kitchen

Try soaking your breadcrumbs in milk for super tender meatballs. Don't skip the fridge time - cold meatballs hold together way better. Be patient with those onions, you can't rush that sweet caramelization. Running low on sherry? Just use more beef stock instead, it'll turn out great.

Serving Suggestions

These French onion meatballs taste amazing over a scoop of buttery mashed potatoes or with a chunk of crusty bread to soak up all that gravy. Throw together a quick green salad on the side and you've got yourself a perfect dinner for those chilly evenings.

A cast iron skillet filled with browned meatballs simmering in a savory sauce with onions and garnished with herbs. Pin it
A cast iron skillet filled with browned meatballs simmering in a savory sauce with onions and garnished with herbs. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why pop the meatballs in the fridge first?

Letting them chill keeps them sturdy when cooking, so they won’t fall apart in the pan.

→ Can the onion sauce be prepped early?

You bet! Make the sauce a day ahead and just warm it back up when you’re ready for the meatballs.

→ Why mix Gruyere and mozzarella?

Gruyere has bold flavor, but mozzarella melts beautifully for that stretchy, cheesy goodness.

→ How’s the best way to enjoy them?

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread so nothing goes to waste—especially that sauce.

→ Can store-bought meatballs work?

Homemade gives the best results, but pre-made meatballs work fine if you're short on time.

Cheesy Onion Balls

Soft meatballs swimming in a luscious onion sauce with Gruyere and mozzarella melted on top. A hearty twist inspired by traditional French onion flavors.

Prep Time
45 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-French

Yield: 6 Servings (1 skillet)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1⁄4 cup milk, plus 2 tablespoons extra.
02 1 egg, beaten.
03 1½ pounds of ground beef (85/15 blend).
04 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
05 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence.
06 1½ cups soft breadcrumbs, fresh.
07 1 teaspoon sea salt.
08 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper.
09 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley.
10 4 cloves of garlic, minced.
11 1 large onion, half finely diced.
12 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
13 3⁄4 cup Gruyere cheese, split.
14 4 tablespoons olive oil.
15 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee.
16 2½ large white onions, thinly sliced.
17 1 tablespoon flour.
18 2¼ cups prepared beef broth.
19 2 teaspoons fresh thyme sprigs.
20 1⁄4 cup white wine or sherry.
21 Salt and pepper for seasoning.
22 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence.

Instructions

Step 01

Stir fresh breadcrumbs into milk and let them sit for 5 minutes.

Step 02

Mix soaked breadcrumbs with beef, seasonings, and meatball ingredients.

Step 03

Roll into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and stick them in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Step 04

Heat some olive oil, sear the meatballs until brown, and put them aside for later.

Step 05

Use the same pan, add butter and oil, and cook the sliced onions for about 20-25 minutes until golden and soft.

Step 06

Add garlic and herbs to the onions—cook for the briefest 30 seconds.

Step 07

Pour in the sherry, give it 30 seconds to simmer, and scrape the pan bottom.

Step 08

Whisk in flour, then pour in the beef broth. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes on low heat.

Step 09

Put the meatballs back in, sprinkle Gruyere cheese, then mozzarella, and add fresh thyme leaves.

Step 10

Put everything in the oven and broil for 5-7 minutes until the cheese gets bubbly and melty.

Notes

  1. Pair it with mashed potatoes or a fresh loaf of crusty bread.
  2. You can prep the sauce earlier if needed.
  3. Keep your hands wet to roll the meatballs easily.
  4. Chilling meatballs prevents them from falling apart.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven-safe pan or cast iron skillet.
  • Scoop for portioning meatballs.
  • Press for garlic.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy—cheese and butter.
  • Has gluten in breadcrumbs.
  • Uses eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 669
  • Total Fat: 45 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 38 g