Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Elevate your meatball game with this comforting and flavorful Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe! Juicy meatballs are slow-cooked in a rich, savory French onion sauce, making them the perfect appetizer or main dish. Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.

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Why You’ll Love These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

• Easy Prep: Just a few minutes of prep work, and your crock pot does the rest.
• Bursting with Flavor: The French onion sauce adds a deep, savory taste that’s irresistible.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Cook in advance and reheat for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients for Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¼ cup grated onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the French Onion Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet (optional for browning)
• Slow cooker
• Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; don’t overwork the mixture.
2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)

3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in flavor. (This step is optional but recommended for added flavor.)

Step 3: Prepare the French Onion Sauce

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown (about 10-15 minutes).
5. Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, then transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

6. Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, gently submerging them in the sauce.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

8. In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve

9. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs during the final 10 minutes of cooking to melt.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or white rice for a hearty meal.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
• Offer alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of the flavorful sauce.

Tips for the Best French Onion Meatballs

• Caramelize the Onions Properly: Take your time to cook the onions slowly for the best flavor.
• Choose Your Protein: Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the meatballs and caramelize the onions the night before, then assemble everything in the crock pot the next day.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over medium heat or in the crock pot on low until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
A: Yes! Pre-cooked frozen meatballs can save time. Simply add them directly to the crock pot and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q2: Can I skip the cornstarch slurry?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. If you prefer a thicker sauce, the slurry is recommended.

Q3: What cheese works best for topping?
A: Mozzarella, Gruyère, or Swiss cheese work beautifully for that melty, golden topping.

Conclusion: Cozy Comfort Food at Its Best

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to prepare and full of rich, comforting flavors. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 280 | Protein: 20g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g

Enjoy every bite of these flavorful meatballs, and don’t forget to share your creation with us online!

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