Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the meatballs to absorb the sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors of the French onion soup, resulting in a dish that’s rich in taste and texture. The meatballs are perfectly tender and juicy, while the sauce is aromatic and full of depth. Perfect for busy days, entertaining, or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the French onion sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 bay leaf

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

2. Caramelize the onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, until the onions are soft and caramelized. If they begin to brown too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any bits from the bottom. Let the wine cook off for 1-2 minutes.

3. Prepare the French onion sauce: Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. If you’d like a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch into a little cold water and stir it into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for another 1-2 minutes to thicken.

4. Slow cook the meatballs: Transfer the meatballs to the crockpot. Pour the French onion sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re well-coated. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

5. Serve: Once done, remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Serve the meatballs with the French onion sauce over rice, mashed potatoes, or simply on their own with crusty bread for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high

• Total Time: 4.5-5.5 hours

Variations

• Add Cheese: For an extra indulgent twist, top the meatballs with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese and let it melt under the broiler for a few minutes just before serving.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.

• Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for the beef for a leaner version of this dish.

• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a little heat.

• Vegetarian Option: Make vegetarian meatballs using lentils or a meat substitute like Impossible Meat or Beyond Beef.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Crockpot French Onion Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a bit of beef broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. Just add them to the crockpot with the sauce when you’re ready to slow cook.

Can I freeze Crockpot French Onion Meatballs?

Yes! You can freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them up in the crockpot or stovetop.

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use frozen meatballs if you’re in a hurry. Just add them directly to the crockpot with the sauce, and they will cook perfectly in the slow cooker.

Can I use red onions instead of yellow onions?

You can, but yellow onions tend to caramelize better and give a sweeter flavor, which is ideal for this recipe. Red onions will work in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms or carrots to the sauce for added flavor and texture. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the broth.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also check by cutting one open—there should be no pink in the center.

Conclusion

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are an incredibly flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The slow-cooked meatballs soak up the savory, onion-infused broth, creating a tender, juicy bite with every mouthful. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main course, this easy-to-make dish will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, the convenience of using the crockpot makes it a hassle-free option for busy days. Enjoy this delicious, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s packed with flavor!

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