Introduction
Welcome to our delicious recipe for Affordable French Onion Meatball Casserole! This hearty and flavorful dish combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with tender meatballs and gooey cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a dinner party, this casserole is sure to impress. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this budget-friendly and mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients
To make the Affordable French Onion Meatball Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 4 slices Swiss cheese
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs in the greased casserole dish, leaving a little space between each one.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic, and cook until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and garlic, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
6. Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring constantly. Add the Worcestershire sauce and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
7. Pour the onion gravy over the meatballs in the casserole dish, making sure to cover them completely.
8. Top the casserole with the Swiss cheese slices, evenly spaced over the meatballs.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations
There are several ways you can customize this Affordable French Onion Meatball Casserole to suit your taste:
– Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
– Add some diced mushrooms to the caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
– Sprinkle some grated Gruyere cheese over the Swiss cheese for a more indulgent twist.
– Serve the casserole over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of this Affordable French Onion Meatball Casserole:
– Make sure to use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the casserole.
– If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, you can add some onion powder to the meatball mixture.
– To save time, you can use frozen pre-made meatballs instead of making them from scratch.
– Don’t skip the caramelization step for the onions as it adds depth and richness to the dish.
– Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking by adding more garlic powder, thyme, or Worcestershire sauce.
Conclusion
The Affordable French Onion Meatball Casserole is a delicious and budget-friendly dish that brings together the comforting flavors of French onion soup and juicy meatballs. With its gooey melted cheese and caramelized onion gravy, this casserole is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a comforting meal for yourself, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of affordable and flavorful goodness!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and onion gravy ahead of time, then assemble the casserole and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While Swiss cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor to the casserole, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella for a different taste.
Q: Can I make this recipe without onions?
A: While onions are a key ingredient in French onion soup, you can omit them if you have an allergy or simply don’t enjoy their taste. The meatballs and cheese will still make for a delicious casserole.
