Description
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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Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- 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.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
- 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
- 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).
- 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
- Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, gently submerging them in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Serve
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs during the final 10 minutes of cooking to melt.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Cuisine: French