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French Onion Meatballs with Caramelized Onions and Cheese

Indulgent French Onion Meatballs with Caramelized Onions and Cheese

Enjoy French Onion Meatballs with Caramelized Onions and Cheese, blending rich flavors of slow-cooked onions and melty cheese.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: High Protein Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1.5 cups fresh breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs to keep meatballs moist
  • 0.25 cups whole milk for soaking breadcrumbs
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef the hearty base
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for color and freshness
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence for aromatic blend
  • 1 teaspoon salt to enhance flavors
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper for warmth
  • 0.5 large white onion finely minced
  • 4 cloves garlic pressed
  • 0.75 cups Gruyere cheese grated
  • 1 large egg for binding
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for browning and sautéing
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or butter for richness
  • 2.5 large white onions sliced
  • 0.25 cups sherry or white wine adds elegance
  • 1.5 tablespoons flour for thickening
  • 2.25 cups beef stock for sauce base
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves for brightness

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Whisk

Method
 

Steps
  1. Soak the breadcrumbs in whole milk for about 5 minutes.
  2. Prepare the meatball mixture and chill for 15 minutes.
  3. Sear the meatballs in olive oil until browned.
  4. Caramelize the onions in olive oil and ghee or butter.
  5. Build flavor by adding garlic and herbs, then deglaze with wine.
  6. Make the sauce by adding flour and broth, then simmer.
  7. Combine meatballs with sauce and top with cheeses.
  8. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and serve with bread or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatballCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Utilize quality meat for juicy meatballs. Chilling after shaping helps maintain their form while cooking. Patience is key when caramelizing onions.

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