Cheesy French Onion Meatballs Bake (Anti-Inflammatory Version)

📝 Description

This Cheesy French Onion Meatballs Bake is a rich, comforting casserole featuring juicy, oven-baked beef meatballs simmered in a caramelized onion gravy and topped with bubbly melted cheese.

This upgraded version uses anti-inflammatory ingredients like grass-fed beef, olive oil, garlic, turmeric, and fresh herbs to make it a wholesome comfort food recipe. It’s perfect for a high-protein dinner, keto meal prep, low-carb casserole, or cozy family meal.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 6)

🥩 Meatballs

• 1½ lbs grass-fed ground beef

• 1 egg

• ½ cup almond flour (anti-inflammatory & gluten-free)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

🧅 French Onion Gravy

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp grass-fed butter (optional)

• 1 cup beef bone broth

• 1 tsp fresh thyme

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar

• ½ tsp turmeric (optional boost)

🧀 Topping

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Make the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Mix beef, egg, almond flour, garlic, turmeric, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Form into 12–14 meatballs.

4. Place on lined baking sheet and bake 15–18 minutes until browned.

2️⃣ Caramelize the Onions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onions and cook 20–25 minutes, stirring often, until deep golden.

3. Stir in broth, thyme, balsamic vinegar, turmeric, salt, and pepper.

4. Simmer 5 minutes to thicken.

3️⃣ Assemble & Bake

1. Place meatballs in a baking dish.

2. Pour onion gravy over top.

3. Sprinkle generously with cheese.

4. Bake 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

5. Broil 2 minutes for golden top (optional).

6. Garnish with parsley.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve over cauliflower mash for a low-carb dinner

• Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus

• Spoon over zucchini noodles

• Serve with sourdough bread (if not gluten-free)

• Great as a high-protein meal prep option

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🔄 Healthy Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese or skip cheese and top with avocado slices

• Paleo: Replace butter with ghee or extra olive oil

• Keto Friendly: Keep almond flour; ensure onions are portion-controlled

• Lean Option: Substitute ground turkey

• Extra Anti-Inflammatory Boost: Add grated ginger or rosemary

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🧠 Why It’s Anti-Inflammatory

• Grass-fed beef contains higher omega-3s

• Turmeric helps reduce inflammation

• Olive oil supports heart health

• Garlic & onions contain powerful antioxidants

• Bone broth supports gut and joint health

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📊 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 30g

• Net Carbs: 6–8g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

Values vary based on cheese and portion size.

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❓ Related Questions

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low carb when served without bread.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze before adding cheese for best texture.

How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown meatballs first, then cook on low 4–5 hours.

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💡 Final Thoughts

This Cheesy French Onion Meatballs Bake delivers the indulgent flavor of classic French onion soup in a comforting, protein-rich casserole. By incorporating anti-inflammatory ingredients and clean cooking fats, it becomes a smarter comfort food choice for those focused on healthy lifestyle recipes, low-carb meal plans, clean eating, and high-protein dinners.