If you’re a fan of classic French onion soup and love a good, cheesy meatball sub, this recipe is for you! French Onion Meatball Melts combine juicy, seasoned meatballs with rich, caramelized onions, topped with melted Gruyère cheese for a meal that is pure comfort.
This dish is easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, and can be served on toasted bread, over pasta, or on its own. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, these meatball melts will be an instant hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Juicy & Flavorful – The meatballs are seasoned to perfection.
Rich & Comforting – Inspired by the flavors of French onion soup.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour.
Versatile – Serve in sandwiches, over pasta, or on its own.
Great for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat for a delicious meal anytime.
Ingredients for French Onion Meatball Melts
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for a crispier texture)
- 1/4 cup milk (adds moisture)
- 1 egg (binds everything together)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds umami)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth (adds depth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for a rich umami flavor)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Toasted bread, baguettes, or hoagie rolls (optional, for serving)
How to Make French Onion Meatball Melts – Step by Step
Step1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until well combined but don’t overmix (this keeps the meatballs tender).
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball).
Step2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs and set them aside (they will finish cooking in the sauce).
Step3: Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the onions are soft and golden brown, add butter (if using), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Step4: Simmer the Meatballs in Onion Gravy
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet.
- Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, so the meatballs soak up the rich onion flavor.
Step5: Melt the Cheese
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the meatballs.
- Place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot on toasted bread, over pasta, or as is.
- Enjoy the ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness!
Pro Tips for the Best French Onion Meatball Melts
Don’t rush caramelizing the onions—low and slow brings out their natural sweetness.
For extra crispiness, toast the bread before assembling the melts.
Make ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then reheat before serving.
Best Ways to Serve French Onion Meatball Melts
On Toasted Bread: The classic way—melted cheese, crispy bread, and juicy meatballs!
Over Pasta: Serve over buttery egg noodles for a comforting meal.
As a Meatball Bowl: Skip the bread and serve over mashed potatoes or rice.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a light arugula salad to balance the richness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 720mg
Storage & Leftovers
How to Store:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Meatballs and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat:
- Stovetop: Simmer in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze French Onion Meatballs?
Absolutely! Store the cooked meatballs and onion sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
3. What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?
You can use Swiss cheese, provolone, or mozzarella as substitutes.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and serve over rice or gluten-free bread.
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Pesto Chicken Tortellini – Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make the best homemade French Onion Meatball Melts! Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out in the comments below.
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Have questions? Drop them in the comments!
Best French Onion Meatballs – Easy & Cheesy Recipe
Description
If you’re a fan of classic French onion soup and love a good, cheesy meatball sub, this recipe is for you! French Onion Meatball Melts combine juicy, seasoned meatballs with rich, caramelized onions, topped with melted Gruyère cheese for a meal that is pure comfort.
This dish is easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, and can be served on toasted bread, over pasta, or on its own. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering, these meatball melts will be an instant hit!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for a crispier texture)
- 1/4 cup milk (adds moisture)
- 1 egg (binds everything together)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds umami)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
For the Onion Gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup beef broth (adds depth)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for a rich umami flavor)
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
For Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
- Toasted bread, baguettes, or hoagie rolls (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix until well combined but don’t overmix (this keeps the meatballs tender).
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball).
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the meatballs and set them aside (they will finish cooking in the sauce).
Step 3: Caramelize the Onions
- In the same skillet, add sliced onions and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the onions are soft and golden brown, add butter (if using), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs in Onion Gravy
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet.
- Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, so the meatballs soak up the rich onion flavor.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the meatballs.
- Place under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot on toasted bread, over pasta, or as is.
- Enjoy the ooey-gooey, cheesy goodness!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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Use a mix of beef & pork for extra juicy meatballs.
Don’t rush caramelizing the onions—low and slow brings out their natural sweetness.
For extra crispiness, toast the bread before assembling the melts.
Make ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, then reheat before serving.
