Description
Savory French Onion Meatballs made with smoked turkey bacon, caramelized onions, and plant-based cheese, offering a quick, delicious dinner with smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
- 1 cup caramelized onions
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Caramelizing Onions
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Sauce
- 1/2 cup caramelized onions
- 1/4 cup grape juice
- 1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Slowly cook thinly sliced onions in a pan with olive oil over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until golden brown and sweet, about 25-30 minutes, to develop rich flavor.
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped smoked turkey bacon, caramelized onions, shredded plant-based cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), egg, salt, pepper, and natural gelling agent. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs, turning frequently until browned all over and cooked through, about 12-15 minutes total. They should be juicy and smoky on the outside.
- Optional Sauce: For extra flavor, simmer caramelized onions with grape juice and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), then spoon over cooked meatballs.
Notes
- Don’t rush caramelizing onions to get deep, sweet flavor.
- Mix meat ingredients gently to avoid tough meatballs.
- Use a scoop for even meatball size.
- Chill meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold together.
- Cook meatballs on medium heat for thorough cooking without burning.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: French Onion Meatballs, smoked turkey bacon meatballs, caramelized onion recipe, plant-based cheese meatballs, savory appetizers
