French Onion Meatball Melts 2025

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you’re a fan of french onion soup campbells, juicy meatballs, and melty cheese all wrapped in crusty bread, then you’re in for a treat! These French Onion Meatball Melts take the cozy, rich flavors of a classic French onion soup and transform them into a hearty, hand-held delight. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day treat, or an impressive party snack, this recipe is easy to make and bursting with bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love These French Onion Meatball Melts

Bold, comforting flavors – Caramelized onions, savory meatballs, and gooey cheese in every bite.
Easy to make – This is one of those Lipton’s onion soup mix recipes that deliver a deep, rich taste with minimal effort.
Perfect for meal prep – Make the meatballs ahead of time and assemble when ready.
Melty cheese magic – Gruyere or Swiss cheese makes everything better.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

1 1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crispy texture)
1/4 cup milk (adds moisture)
1 egg (binds everything together)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds umami)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp olive oil (for browning)

For the Onion Gravy:

2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 cup beef broth (adds depth)
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce (for umami-rich flavor)
1 Tbsp butter (optional, for richness)

For Assembly:

1 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Toasted baguettes or hoagie rolls

(Exact ingredient quantities are listed in the recipe card below!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Gently combine without overworking the mixture.
Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a cast iron baguette pan or skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Make the Onion Gravy

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized (about 20-25 minutes).
Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the browned meatballs back into the pan, tossing to coat with the onion mixture. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.

3. Assemble the Melts

Preheat your broiler.
Place the toasted baguettes or hoagie rolls on a baking sheet.
Spoon the meatballs and onion mixture onto each piece of bread.
Top generously with shredded Gruyere cheese.
Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Meatball Melts

Low and slow onions – The key to perfect French onion soup (Campbell’s style) flavor is patiently caramelizing the onions.
Baguette matters – If you can, use a cast iron baguette pan for an extra crispy and evenly toasted baguette.
Make-ahead option – The meatballs and onion gravy can be prepped a day in advance for an easy weeknight meal.
Cheese it up – If you love extra cheesy melts, double the Gruyere or mix in some mozzarella for added gooeyness.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Freeze the meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 600
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 980mg
Potassium: 420mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Vitamin A: 450 IU
Vitamin C: 6mg
Calcium: 240mg
Iron: 4.2mg

The Story Behind This Recipe

This recipe is inspired by my love for French onion soup and my constant quest to make hearty, comforting meals that my family loves. The idea came to me on a chilly evening when I was craving that classic soup but wanted something more substantial. What if I could take all that oniony, cheesy goodness and wrap it around juicy, homemade meatballs? And so, the French Onion Meatball Melts were born!

Now, this dish has become a favorite in our home especially when served with a side of crispy fries or a simple green salad. It’s an easy, fuss-free way to bring the flavors of a classic into a modern, satisfying meal. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think!

FAQ

Can I use another type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyere is the classic choice, you can easily swap it out for other melty cheeses. Swiss cheese has a similar nutty flavor, provolone adds a mild creaminess, and a good-quality mild cheddar brings a slightly sharper taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a blend of cheeses for even more depth of flavor!

Can I make this recipe without bread?

Yes! If you’re skipping the bread, there are still plenty of delicious ways to enjoy this dish. Serve the flavorful meatballs and caramelized onions over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even cauliflower mash for a gluten-free alternative. It’s just as comforting and satisfying without the bread!

What’s the best way to caramelize onions?

Patience is key! Caramelizing onions takes time, but the deep, rich flavor is worth it. Cook them over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. If they start sticking to the pan, deglaze with a splash of water, beef broth, or even a little balsamic vinegar for extra depth. This slow-cooking process brings out their natural sweetness.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Frozen meatballs work great, but for the best results, thaw them before adding them to the onion gravy. This allows them to soak up all the rich flavors and ensures they heat evenly. If you’re in a rush, you can cook them from frozen, but you may need to extend the cooking time slightly.

Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?

It’s not essential, but it does add a wonderful umami depth that enhances the overall flavor. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with a splash of soy sauce for a similar savory kick, or balsamic vinegar for a touch of tangy sweetness.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make this in a slow cooker, brown the meatballs first to develop a richer flavor, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the caramelized onions and broth. Cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or until everything is tender and infused with flavor. This hands-off method makes it even easier!

How do I keep the baguette from getting soggy?

To prevent your baguette from turning soggy, toast it before assembling your meatball melts. This creates a crisp barrier that holds up better against the onion gravy. Also, be mindful not to add too much gravy just enough to keep everything flavorful without making the bread too soft.

What can I serve with these meatball melts?

A simple side can round out this dish perfectly! A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness, while roasted vegetables add a hearty touch. If you want to go all in on comfort food, serve them with a side of crispy fries or even a warm bowl of tomato soup for a cozy meal.

Final Thoughts

This French Onion Meatball Melts recipe is the ultimate comfort food savory, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a unique Lipton’s onion soup mix recipe or a fun take on French onion soup (Campbell’s style), this dish is a winner. Try it out and let me know what you think.