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French Onion Meatballs with Orzo

If you love the deep, cozy flavor of French onion soup but want something a little heartier (and a whole lot easier), this one-pot French Onion Meatballs with Orzo is exactly that. It’s rich, savory, melty, and comforting without babysitting a pot for hours.
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Ingredients

Onions

  • 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 1 purple onion thinly sliced (or use 2 yellow onions)
  • 1 packet sugar ONLY if using purple onion
  • 1 packet dry au jus gravy mix

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp Creole Trinity & Herb seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse seasoning
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp cottage cheese
  • 1 handful shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp minced onion or Easy Onion
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Skillet

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo
  • 1 16-oz box beef broth (bone broth recommended for extra protein)

Cheese Topping (choose one)

  • Mozzarella
  • Provolone
  • Swiss

Instructions

Caramelize the onions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook low and slow until soft and caramelized, stirring often.
  • If using purple onion, sprinkle in 1 packet of sugar to help balance the bitterness.

Add au jus

  • Once onions are deeply caramelized (or almost there), stir in 1 packet dry au jus gravy mix until fully combined.
  • Remove onions from the pan and set aside.

Make the meatballs

  • In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Roll into evenly sized meatballs.

Brown the meatballs

  • In the same skillet, heat 2 tsp olive oil. Add meatballs and brown on all sides until nearly cooked through.

Build the orzo

  • Add 1 cup uncooked orzo directly to the pan. Return the onions to the skillet and pour in 16 oz beef broth.

Simmer

  • Cover and let simmer, stirring occasionally so the orzo doesn’t stick, until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Cheese & serve

  • Top with cheese of choice. Cover again and let cheese melt. Serve warm.

Notes

    •    This is perfect for busy weeknights, but fancy enough for guests.
    •    Bone broth adds extra protein without changing flavor.
    •    Leftovers reheat beautifully.
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