French Onion meatballs

Do you crave a hearty, savory meal but want to spend fewer hours in the kitchen? Look no further than French Onion Meatballs! This delicious dish combines the rich, comforting flavors of French onion soup with the convenience of meatballs, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying main course that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. It is a comfort food, but the guilt is minimal. Pair it with some crusty wholegrain bread, and you have a complete meal.

French Onion Meatballs can be served as a main course, paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. They also make a fantastic appetizer for parties.

You can create a hearty, flavor-packed dish that will become a family favorite in just a few simple steps. So, next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and delicious, try French Onion Meatballs – you won’t be disappointed!

Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 3-4

Ingredients:

• Ground meat (chicken or beef) 500 gms
• Carrot ½ (grated)
• Breadcrumbs ½ cup
• Milk 1/4 cup
• Paprika 1 Tbsp
• Cheddar cheese 1/2 cup of shredded 
• Onion, thinly sliced 2
• Garlic 3-4 cloves (chopped)
• Butter 2 Tbsp
• Chicken broth 2 cups
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley/basil for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• All-purpose flour 2 tbsp
• Sage few leaves
• Cream 3 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, paprika, grated carrot, breadcrumbs, egg, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and form into meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the meatballs until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm.
4. Next, caramelize the onions in the same pan. Add the thinly sliced onions with sage leaves, chopped garlic, and paprika and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Add flour and butter to the onions once soft and slightly brown. Stir to avoid burning the flour. Add milk, the rest of the cheese, and stock. Keep stirring over medium heat to get a smooth sauce.
6. Allow it to cook for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together. 
7. Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the onion and broth mixture. Let them simmer in the onion gravy for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring they absorb the delicious flavors.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and pour the cream. Cover the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.
9. Serve hot with bread. Garnish with chili flakes and basil or chopped parsley.