Instant Pot French Onion Meatballs

Instant Pot French Onion Meatballs–French onion meatballs take minimal effort but taste so good! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to caramelize onions in the Instant Pot and get that sweetness and richness to come out. Try these meatballs for an easy weeknight dinner or for an appetizer at a party!

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Instant Pot French Onion Meatballs

If you’re a fan of french onion soup you’re going to love these french onion meatballs! I think you’re really going to be surprised at how delicious this fast and easy dish is to make! With only 7 ingredients you’ll be on your way to a protein-filled dinner in no time. I love these meatballs because even by using a bag of frozen meatballs from the store (convenience wins the day!) you can get a homemade taste. The french onion sauce of caramelized onions and cheese and onion soup mix is sweet and savory and subtle.

And by using your Instant Pot to do most ALL the work of caramelizing the onions you won’t want to do it any other way in the future (same with risotto!). Besides, the time is takes is a fraction of what it would take on the stovetop in a skillet.

Meatball Ingredients

This recipe is so fast and easy and it hardly has any ingredients!

• 2 tablespoons butter–to caramelize the onions
• 4 medium yellow onions–this will seem like a lot but they shrink down a ton!
• 1/2 tsp baking soda–it raises the PH of the onions which also assists in speeding up the Maillard reaction (the browning process of onions that gives it that sweet, golden flavor).
• 1 cup water–this will help make the sauce that coats the meatballs
• 1 (26 oz) package frozen homestyle meatballs–you can also use swedish meatballs. I’d avoid Italian meatballs as that will be a different flavor profile.
• 1 (1 oz) package onion soup mix–I like Liptons brand. You can also make your own from scratch.
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese–for cheesy goodness
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese–for more cheesy goodness

Instructions on How to Make French Onion Meatballs

1. Start with the onions: Turn Instant Pot to saute setting. When display says HOT add in 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add in the onions and baking soda and toss until onions start to yellow and onions start to release moisture (about 3-4 minutes). Turn off the Instant Pot.
2. Add ingredients: Pour in water, meatballs and onion soup mix. 
3. Pressure cook: Cover Instant Pot and secure the lid. Make sure valve is set to sealing. Set the manual/pressure cook button to 5 minutes. When time is up let pot sit 5 minutes and then move valve to venting. Remove the lid. 
4. Cheese time: Sprinkle in the cheese and toss well so that meatballs are coated with sauce, onions and cheese. 
5. Serve: Eat and enjoy! Garnish with fresh thyme or fresh parsley if desired. These meatballs taste great with a side of texas toast.

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Cooking tips and questions

• Can I use something besides onion soup mix? If you don’t want to use a packet of onion soup mix you can make your own onion soup mix at home.
• Can I make my own meatballs instead of using frozen meatballs? I haven’t tried homemade meatballs myself but I think you could do this with success. I would place your homemade meatballs on top of the onions (no trivet) and keep the same cooking time. Try using ground turkey, ground pork, ground chicken or ground beef…or a combination of 2. 
• What size Instant Pot? I used my 6 quart Instant Pot*. You can also use an 8 quart pot or halve the recipe in the 3 quart pot.
• Make it for a crowd: You can double or triple this recipe in the 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot. You may want to keep the amount of onions, water, onion soup mix and butter the same but just double the amount of meatballs.

What to serve with meatballs

I served this as a dinner and we ate it with mashed potatoes and a side salad. Another choice would be to serve the meatballs and sauce over buttered egg noodles or rice. These meatballs can also be served at a party as an appetizer. Don’t forget the cocktail sticks!

How to store and reheat

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze in an airtight freezer container* for up to 3 months.
• Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat (or in the Instant Pot on saute less setting). Add a little beef broth and stir every few minutes until warmed through.

More Ways to use frozen meatballs in the Instant Pot…

Instant Pot Meatballs And Red Potatoes With Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Instant Pot Dump And Go Meatball Lasagna

Instant Pot Ziti And Meatballs

Instant Pot 3-Ingredient Meatballs

Instant Pot Italian Wedding Soup

Instant Pot Tortellini Meatball Soup

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*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.