Description
Mouthwatering Caramelized Onion Meatballs bring Italian comfort right to your dinner table. Packed with rich flavor and golden-brown edges, these hearty bites offer a delightful twist on classic comfort cuisine you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (85/15 ratio)
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.75 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Herbs, Breadcrumbs, and Seasonings:
- 1.5 cups fresh breadcrumbs (or panko breadcrumbs)
- 0.25 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Aromatics and Cooking Ingredients:
- 2.5 large white onions (halved and thinly sliced)
- 0.5 large white onion (finely minced)
- 8 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.25 cup sherry or white wine
- 1.5 tablespoons flour
- 2.25 cups beef stock
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Hydrate breadcrumbs by immersing them in milk for a quick 5-minute softening process.
- Create meatball mixture by gently folding ground beef with softened breadcrumbs, incorporating herbs, seasonings, minced aromatics, cheese, and whisked egg. Blend carefully to maintain meat’s tender texture.
- Shape uniform meatballs using two-tablespoon portions. Chill the formed meatballs for 15 minutes to help maintain structural integrity during cooking.
- Sear meatballs in a large oven-safe skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown thoroughly on all surfaces for 8-10 minutes, ensuring rich caramelized exterior. Transfer seared meatballs to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, add additional olive oil and butter. Introduce sliced onions with a seasoning of salt and pepper. Slowly transform onions through continuous stirring for 20-25 minutes until deeply golden and luxuriously soft.
- Enhance caramelized onions by introducing minced garlic and aromatic herbs. Toast briefly for 30 seconds to release intense fragrance.
- Deglaze the skillet with sherry, allowing quick reduction. Dust with flour and cook momentarily to create sauce foundation.
- Stream beef stock gradually, whisking continuously to develop smooth, velvety sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency. Finish with fresh thyme leaves.
- Activate broiler at high temperature. Nestle seared meatballs into the onion sauce, creating a cohesive ensemble.
- Lavishly sprinkle remaining Gruyere and mozzarella cheeses over meatballs. Position skillet under broiler for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts into bubbling, golden perfection.
- Garnish with additional thyme leaves. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, restaurant-quality dining experience.
Notes
- Breadcrumb Soaking Helps create a tender, moist texture by preventing the meat from becoming dense and tough.
- Gentle Mixing Prevents overworking the meat, which can make meatballs rubbery and compact, ensuring a light and delicate final result.
- Chilling Meatballs Allows them to firm up, helping them hold their shape during cooking and preventing them from falling apart in the pan.
- Cheese Selection Use a combination of Gruyere and mozzarella for a rich, complex flavor profile that melts beautifully and adds creamy texture.
- Caramelization Technique Low and slow cooking of onions develops deep, sweet flavor and ensures they become soft and golden without burning.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg