French Onion Meatballs: A Cozy Classic with a Twist

When you think of comfort food, French onion soup might be one of the first dishes that comes to mind. It’s rich, savory, and has that unbeatable combination of caramelized onions and melted cheese. But what if we took all those iconic flavors and packed them into the perfect bite-sized form? Enter French Onion Meatballs—a dish that combines everything you love about French onion soup with tender, flavorful meatballs. It’s hearty, indulgent, and ideal for cozy dinners or impressing your guests with something a little different.

Why This Recipe Works

French onion meatballs are the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. You get the tender, juicy meatballs infused with herbs, the deep sweetness of caramelized onions, and a luscious sauce that’s meant to be mopped up with crusty bread or spooned over creamy mashed potatoes. Plus, they’re topped with gooey, golden melted cheese. What more could you ask for?

I accidentally used tawny port wine instead of sherry when making this, and let me tell you—it was a happy accident! The subtle sweetness of the port added a depth that was irresistible. You can absolutely use sherry if that’s what you have on hand, but if you’re up for a little twist, tawny port is the way to go.

Measuring with Heart and Fresh Ingredients

As always, I encourage you to adjust this recipe to your taste. I’ll provide measurements, but don’t be afraid to "measure with your heart." And please—use fresh herbs wherever possible! They add a brightness and depth of flavor that dried herbs just can’t match. More is always more when it comes to fresh thyme and parsley in this recipe.

This recipe comfortably serves 4-6 people, but feel free to scale it up for larger gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ Italian style breadcrumbs

• 1/3 cup whole milk

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 ratio is great)

• 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped