Delicious easy French onion meatballs served with savory gravy

Easy French Onion Meatballs with Gravy

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Why Make This Recipe

Easy French Onion Meatballs with Gravy is a delicious dish that combines two favorites: meatballs and French onion soup. This recipe is not only simple but also comforting and satisfying. The caramelized onions give a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory meatballs. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for everyone!

How to Make Easy French Onion Meatballs with Gravy

Ingredients

  • 2 onions (sliced very thin)
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free 1:1 flour (I like King Arthur Baking brand)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1.5 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 3/4 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free 1:1 flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 30-35 minutes until the onions are browned and caramelized.
  3. While the onions cook, prepare the meatballs. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, 1/4 cup gluten-free flour, egg, 1/2 tsp salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well using your hands.
  4. Form the mixture into 12 meatballs, about 1.5 inches wide. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes.
  5. When the onions are caramelized, sprinkle 1/4 cup gluten-free flour on top and stir until the onions are coated.
  6. Pour in the beef broth while stirring the mixture. Add Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and thyme. Stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the gravy is thickened and bubbling.
  7. Add the cooked meatballs to the pan and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top.
  8. Bake in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
  9. Serve over mashed potatoes with a green veggie and enjoy!

How to Serve Easy French Onion Meatballs with Gravy

Serve the meatballs hot, topped with the rich gravy and melted Gruyère cheese. They go great over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Easy French Onion Meatballs with Gravy

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You can also freeze the meatballs and gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Easy French Onion Meatballs with Gravy

  • Make sure to slice the onions very thin for even cooking and better caramelization.
  • If you want extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the onions while they cook.
  • Don’t skip the steps for browning the meatballs; this adds a nice depth of flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference!

Variation

You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter meatball. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based meat substitutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and gravy in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat before serving.

2. Is there a dairy-free option for the cheese?
Yes! You can use dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well or skip the cheese altogether if you prefer.

3. Can I make this recipe without gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour if you do not require it to be gluten-free. Adjust the amounts accordingly if needed.

Easy French Onion Meatballs with Gravy

A delicious dish that combines meatballs and French onion soup, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Gravy
  • 2 onions 2 onions (sliced very thin) Slice very thin for better caramelization.
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup butter Unsalted butter recommended.
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp salt (divided) Half for onions, half for meatballs.
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup gluten-free 1:1 flour For thickening the gravy.
  • 2 cups 2 cups beef broth Can use low sodium.
  • 1.5 tbsp 1.5 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 3/4 cup 3/4 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded) For topping.
For the Meatballs
  • 1 lb 1 lb ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup gluten-free 1:1 flour
  • 1 ea 1 egg
  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp 1 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for about 30-35 minutes until the onions are browned and caramelized.
  3. While the onions cook, prepare the meatballs. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, 1/4 cup gluten-free flour, egg, 1/2 tsp salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well using your hands.
  4. Form the mixture into 12 meatballs, about 1.5 inches wide.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes.
  2. When the onions are caramelized, sprinkle 1/4 cup gluten-free flour on top and stir until the onions are coated.
  3. Pour in the beef broth while stirring the mixture. Add Worcestershire sauce, the remaining 1/2 tsp salt, and thyme. Stir over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the gravy is thickened and bubbling.
  4. Add the cooked meatballs to the pan and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top.
  5. Bake in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

Notes

Serve the meatballs hot, topped with the rich gravy and melted Gruyère cheese. They go great over mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. Add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.