Description
Juicy, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich caramelized onion gravy and topped with melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese. This comforting dish combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of a meatball dinner, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Caramelized Onion Gravy
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp thyme
Topping
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Form and Brown Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, and breadcrumbs. Shape the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides until nicely seared. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized.
- Add Broth and Thyme: Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the thyme. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the gravy.
- Simmer Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the onion gravy. Cover and simmer gently for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Top with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the meatballs. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and become gooey.
Notes
- For a complete meal, serve these meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty artisan bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Thyme can be replaced with rosemary or a mix of Italian herbs for a different twist.
- If you prefer a thicker gravy, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the simmering broth before adding the meatballs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
