French Onion Meatball Melts
A delightful blend of comfort and flavor, French Onion Meatball Melts transform classic French onion soup into savory meatball sandwiches, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef Choose fresh, quality ground beef.
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs Provides a delightful crunch.
- 1/4 cup milk For a creamy texture.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty flavor.
- 1 tsp salt Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Adds warmth to the dish.
Sautéed Onions and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil For sautéing.
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced The star ingredient.
- 1 cup beef broth For added richness.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce For umami savoriness.
- 1 tbsp butter Optional for added silkiness.
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Melts beautifully.
- Chopped parsley For garnish.
- as needed Toasted bread, baguettes, or hoagie rolls For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides for 5-7 minutes, then remove from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low and add the sliced onions. Sauté for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and golden.
- If desired, stir in butter, then add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the onions. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the meatballs and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot on toasted bread, baguettes, or hoagie rolls.
Notes
Use fresh onions and consider grass-fed beef for better flavor. Don’t rush the caramelization of onions for optimal flavor. Fresh thyme or bay leaves can be added for more flavor.