French Onion Meatballs (Gluten-Free)
These gluten-free French onion meatballs are juicy, family-friendly, and perfect for lunchboxes, party platters, high-protein snacks and easy dinners you can feel good about.
Why These Gluten-Free French Onion Meatballs Work
These are tender inside with a slight crust outside – not dry, not mushy – and hold up well cold for lunchboxes.
French onion soup mix adds a deep savoury flavour in one simple step – but many store-bought versions contain wheat. Using a gluten-free version (homemade or clearly labelled store-bought) keeps things safe without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients To Make French Onion Meatballs
To make 22-24 meatballs, you’ll need:
- 500 g (1.1 lb) beef mince (ground beef)
- ½ small brown onion, finely diced or grated (about ⅓ to ½ cup)
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2½ tablespoons gluten-free French onion soup mix (use this homemade gf French onion soup mix or one packet of a gluten-free store version – just double-check the label!
I’ve written this as a 500g batch to keep it simple and manageable, but you can easily double it, like I have here:
Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
How To Make Gluten-Free French Onion Meatballs
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine beef mince, onion, gluten-free breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, tomato paste and French onion soup mix.
Step 2: Mix gently with clean hands until just combined.
Step 3: Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, roll into meatballs. You should get approximately 22 to 24 meatballs.
Step 4: For best shape retention, refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes before cooking (optional but recommended, especially for oven baking). Choose your cooking method below.
Meatball Cooking Options
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place meatballs on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Turn and bake another 5 minutes.
Total cook time: 20 minutes.
If cooking straight from the fridge, allow an extra 2 to 3 minutes.
They should be lightly browned outside and reach 75°C (165°F) internally.
Pan Fry Method
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cook meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes, turning regularly.
- Cook until browned and cooked through.
This method gives a slightly deeper crust.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly spray basket.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway.
- If chilled, cook 12 to 13 minutes.
Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Meatball Serving Suggestions
Party Platter
- Serve warm with toothpicks.
- Add a small bowl of gluten-free gravy or BBQ sauce.
- Pair with cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes and gluten-free crackers.
- Add mustard or gluten-free aioli for dipping.
They can be made the day before and gently reheated.
High-Protein Snack
Each meatball is packed with protein from beef and egg.
- Eat 3–4 as a quick snack.
- Add to a small container with veggie sticks.
- Pair with hummus or dip.
Great for teens who are always hungry.
Lunchbox Option
- Pack cold (they’re delicious chilled).
- Add gluten-free crackers.
- Include cherry tomatoes or cucumber sticks.
- Pop into mini gluten-free slider buns for something more filling.
They hold their shape and don’t crumble, which is ideal for school.
Best Sauces to Serve With French Onion Meatballs
These gluten-free French onion meatballs are flavourful enough to serve on their own, but the right sauce makes them even better, especially for parties and platters.
Here are a few easy, gluten-free options that work really well:
Gluten-Free BBQ Sauce
This is always the safest, most popular option – especially for kids. Sweet and smoky pairs perfectly with the savoury onion flavour.
Gluten-Free Gravy
If you’re serving these warm, a small bowl of gravy for dipping is hard to beat. It turns them into a mini comfort-food moment.
Garlic Aioli (Gluten-Free)
Creamy garlic aioli makes these feel a little more ‘grown up’ for entertaining. Great for party platters.
Honey Mustard Dip
Quick and easy to mix at home:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
Sweet, tangy and always popular.
Sweet Chilli Sauce (Gluten-Free)
Perfect for teens or adults who like a little extra flavour.
How to Store & Freeze
- Fridge: store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Separate layers with baking paper.
- Reheat:
- Oven: 160°C (320°F) until warmed through
- Air fryer: 160°C for 4 to 5 minutes
- Pan: Low heat with lid on
Substitutions & Alternatives
Breadcrumb Alternatives: if you don’t have gluten-free breadcrumbs:
- Crushed gluten-free cornflakes
- Crushed gluten-free rice crackers
- ⅓ cup gluten-free oats (if tolerated), blitzed
Egg-Free Option: you could try:
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds + 3 tablespoons water (let gel first)
- OR ¼ cup mashed potato
Different Meat Options:
- Beef & pork mince
- Chicken mince
- Turkey mince
If using leaner mince, add 1 teaspoon olive oil to prevent dryness.
French Onion Meatballs (Gluten-Free)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking tray, frying pan or air fryer
Ingredients
- 500 grams (1.1 lb) beef mince (ground beef)
- ½ onion, finely diced or grated
- ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons gluten-free French onion soup mix
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 500 grams beef mince (ground beef), ½ onion, ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs1 egg, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 3 tablespoons gluten-free French onion soup mix and 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, (if using).
- Mix gently with clean hands until just combined.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, roll mixture into meatballs (about 1½ tablespoons). This should make approximately 22 to 24 meatballs.
- For best shape retention, refrigerate for 5 to 10 minutes before cooking (optional but recommended, especially for oven baking).
- Choose your cooking method below.
Recipe Notes:
Oven method (best for large batches):
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place meatballs on a lined baking tray.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Turn meatballs and bake for another 5 minutes.
Pan fry method:
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Cook meatballs for 8 to 10 minutes, turning regularly.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Air fryer method:
- Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Lightly spray basket.
- Cook meatballs for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking or turning halfway.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Nutrition Information:
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