French Onion Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf Italian parsley
• Sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

Instructions

1. To make the meatballs, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Form the mixture into 12 to 15 meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet that's been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Bake in a preheated 425-degree F oven for about 20 to 25 minutes.
4. To make the sauce, melt the olive oil and butter in a skillet. Add the onions and cook on low heat until soft andgolden, about 30 minutes.
5. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds. Pour in the broth. Add the thyme and season with salt and pepper. Bring to asimmer, reduce heat and cook until it thickens, about 10 minutes.
6. Put the meatballs into the sauce.
7. Sprinkle the cheese on top.
8. Cook until the cheese melts. (You could also put the meatballs and sauce into a baking dish, top with the cheese andbroil until the cheese melts.)
9. Serve over mashed potatoes or rice.