Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Introduction

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. These tender, savory meatballs are slow-cooked in a rich French onion-inspired sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and irresistibly delicious. With minimal prep time and the magic of a slow cooker, this recipe brings out deep, caramelized onion flavors that pair wonderfully with juicy meatballs. Serve them over pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy them as an appetizer for your next party. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to creating this crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the French Onion Sauce:

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated but do not overwork the mixture.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside on a tray.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with olive oil.
  2. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. (They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish cooking in the crock pot.)

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle with flour (if thickening the sauce) and stir to coat the onions.

Step 4: Assemble in the Crock Pot

  1. Transfer the caramelized onions to the crock pot.
  2. Place the seared meatballs on top of the onions.
  3. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme. Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Cook in the Crock Pot

  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  2. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the meatballs. Allow it to melt completely before serving.

 

Variations

  • Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
  • Mushroom Lovers: Include sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor boost.

Cooking Note

  • Searing the meatballs before slow cooking adds a caramelized crust and locks in moisture, enhancing the flavor.
  • For a thicker sauce, use the optional flour or mix a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
  • Pair with buttered egg noodles or a warm baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Use as a topping for baked potatoes or sliders for a fun twist.

Tips

  • To save time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs, but homemade meatballs elevate the dish’s flavor.
  • Thinly slicing the onions ensures even caramelization.
  • Prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate to simplify assembly.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cooking Time

6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time

6 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 22g
  • Sodium: 680mg

FAQs

1. Can I use vegetarian meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use vegetarian or plant-based meatballs. Ensure they are sturdy enough to hold up in the crock pot.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

3. Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?
Absolutely! Simmer the dish on the stovetop over low heat in a covered pot for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.

4. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Gruyère or Swiss cheese is ideal, but you can also use mozzarella or provolone.

Conclusion

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs combine the rich flavors of caramelized onions and tender meatballs into a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its ease of preparation and mouthwatering taste, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are sure to impress. Try it today and savor the cozy, hearty flavors

Print
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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the French Onion Sauce:

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated but do not overwork the mixture.
  3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside on a tray.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly coat it with olive oil.
  2. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. (They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish cooking in the crock pot.)

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle with flour (if thickening the sauce) and stir to coat the onions.

Step 4: Assemble in the Crock Pot

  1. Transfer the caramelized onions to the crock pot.
  2. Place the seared meatballs on top of the onions.
  3. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme. Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Cook in the Crock Pot

  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  2. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the meatballs. Allow it to melt completely before serving.

Notes

  • Searing the meatballs before slow cooking adds a caramelized crust and locks in moisture, enhancing the flavor.
  • For a thicker sauce, use the optional flour or mix a cornstarch slurry and stir it into the crock pot during the last hour of cooking
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Protein: 22g