French Onion Meatball Subs (Savory, Cheesy & Comforting)
These French Onion Meatball Subs are a hearty, indulgent sandwich inspired by the classic French onion soup. Juicy beef or turkey meatballs, caramelized onions, and melty Gruyère or mozzarella are layered in soft buns for a savory, comforting meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or game-day eats.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~50 minutes
Servings: 4 subs
Ingredients
Meatballs
500 g ground beef or turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & black pepper, to taste
French Onion Topping
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter or olive oil
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp salt
½ cup beef or vegetable broth
1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
Subs
4 soft hoagie or sandwich rolls
1–1½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire, thyme, salt, and pepper until combined.
Shape into 12–14 medium meatballs.
Place on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake 15–18 minutes until cooked through.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add onions, sugar, and salt.
Cook slowly 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden.
Add broth and balsamic vinegar, simmer 5 minutes until flavorful and slightly reduced.
3. Assemble the Subs
Slice buns lengthwise.
Place meatballs inside each bun.
Spoon caramelized onions over meatballs.
Top with shredded cheese.
Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and lightly browns.
4. Serve
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
Serve hot with a side salad or chips.
Notes & Tips
Slow caramelization develops a deep sweet-savory flavor.
Use lean meat for lighter subs; turkey or chicken works well.
Broil at the end for a restaurant-style cheesy finish.
Great for meal prep—assemble and toast before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these spicy?
Yes—add a pinch of chili flakes to the meatball mixture or caramelized onions.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely—freeze baked meatballs before assembling subs.
Can I make vegetarian meatballs?
Yes—use lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based ground “meat”.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 3 g