Dinner for 5
French Onion Meatballs
Beef meatballs simmer in rich onion gravy, then finish with Gruyere for a warm French-inspired dinner.
Typical price
$11.35for 4 servings
$2.84 per serving$11.35 for 4
Typical price: Salefork's estimate of an everyday US shelf price for each ingredient. Pick your city to price it from this week's ad.
Photo: gonnawantseconds.com
- 135 minstart to table
- Involveddifficulty
- 5servings (the source says 12, which counts pieces)
- $$typical cost tier
What it costs
Pick your city to see which ingredients are on sale
| Ingredient | Amount | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Butter$0.40/oz typical | 1.5 oz | $0.60Typical price |
| Onions$1.29/lb typical | 1.9 lb | $2.42Typical price |
| Canned tomatoes$0.08/oz typical | 1 oz | $0.08Typical price |
| Broth or stock$0.07/oz typical | 8.5 oz | $0.59Typical price |
| Swiss, provolone, gouda$0.40/oz typical | 4 oz | $1.60Typical price |
| Milk$0.04/oz typical | 4.25 oz | $0.17Typical price |
| Eggs$0.30 each typical | 1 | $0.30Typical price |
| Blue cheese, brie, queso fresco, paneer$0.80/oz typical | 1 oz | $0.80Typical price |
| Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil)$1.49 each typical | a little | $0.05Typical price |
| Garlic$0.75 each typical | a little | $0.08Typical price |
| Sandwich bread$2.49 each typical | a little | $0.30Typical price |
| Ground beef$5.49/lb typical | 1 lb | $5.49Typical price |
| Marshmallows and candy$0.25/oz typical | 1 oz | $0.23Typical price |
| Total for the servings shown | $14.19 | |
Pantry staples you likely have
Olive and cooking oilSalt and pepperWine, beer and spiritsFlourAsian sauces and pastesDried herbs, spices and seasoning blends
Not included in the cost.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups sliced yellow onions
- 3/4 tsp fine salt
- 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups beef stock (optional)
- 1 tsp better than bouillon beef base
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme or 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp black pepper (optional)
- 1 cup shredded gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated pecorino romano
- 3/4 tsp fine salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh minced garlic
- 2 slices white bread
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced caramelized onions
Steps
- Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat, add the onions and salt, and cook for 45 minutes.
- Stir in the sherry, flour, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef stock, beef base, thyme, vinegar, and pepper, then simmer for 20 minutes.
- Heat the oven to 400 F and soak the bread in the milk for 5 minutes.
- Mix the soaked bread, egg, pecorino, salt, pepper, dried thyme, parsley, garlic, caramelized onions, and ground beef.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, place them on an oiled baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes, until they reach 160 F.
- Add the meatballs to the onion gravy and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Top with Gruyere and bake in a 9-by-13-inch pan for 10 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Swaps
- Ground beef for Ground turkeyabout $0.50/lb less at typical prices
- Onions for Red onionsabout $0.20/lb more at typical prices
- Milk for Almond, soy or oat milkabout $0.01/oz more at typical prices
- Butter for Margarine and vegan butterabout $0.15/oz less at typical prices
Main ingredient on sale this week? See what to make with ground beef on sale.
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