Here’s a rich, comforting, French Onion Meatballs recipe — juicy meatballs simmered in a deep caramelized onion gravy and topped with melted cheese 🧅🧀

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🧅 French Onion Meatballs

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)

🥩 Meatballs

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ cup grated cheese (optional, for extra richness)

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🧅 Onion Gravy

• 3 large yellow onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar (helps caramelize)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste

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🧀 Topping

• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  (or mozzarella + a little Parmesan if unavailable)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Meatballs

1. In a bowl, mix beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Mix gently (don’t overwork).
3. Form into medium-size balls.
4. Heat a skillet with a little oil and brown meatballs on all sides (about 6–8 minutes).
5. Remove and set aside (they will finish cooking in sauce).

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2️⃣ Caramelize the Onions (Key Step!)

1. In the same skillet, add butter and olive oil.
2. Add sliced onions and sugar.
3. Cook on medium-low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Onions should turn deep golden brown.

✔ Slow cooking gives authentic French onion flavor.

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3️⃣ Make the Gravy

1. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
2. Sprinkle flour over onions; stir 1 minute.
3. Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.

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4️⃣ Combine & Finish

1. Return meatballs to skillet.
2. Simmer covered for 10–15 minutes.
3. Sprinkle Gruyère over top.
4. Cover and let cheese melt (or broil 2–3 minutes until bubbly).

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

Serve over:

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered egg noodles
• Toasted baguette slices
• Rice

Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

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🔥 Pro Tips

• Deglaze pan with ¼ cup dry white wine before adding broth for deeper flavor.
• Use homemade beef stock if possible.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra richness.
• For a baked version, transfer everything to a casserole dish and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes.