Irresistible Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for slow cooker lovers. Tender meatballs simmer in a rich caramelized onion sauce, making them irresistible and easy to prepare. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter or oil for caramelizing onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Step 2: Roll the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, caramelize the sliced onions in butter or oil for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
4. Step 4: In the slow cooker, mix the caramelized onions with beef broth, soy sauce, dried thyme, and any remaining onion bits.
5. Step 5: Gently add the meatballs to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, add a splash of red wine to the sauce before slow cooking.
• Swap ground beef for a mix of beef and pork for a juicier meatball.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, then simmer the sauce separately on the stove before combining to serve.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart in the slow cooker?

Use a binding agent like eggs and breadcrumbs as the recipe suggests, and handle the meat mixture gently when forming meatballs. Avoid stirring too much during cooking to keep them intact.

Irresistible Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 70 reviews

This Irresistible Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender, flavorful beef meatballs with rich caramelized onions simmered in a savory broth. Slow-cooked to perfection, these meatballs are perfect for a comforting family meal or entertaining guests with minimal hands-on time.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 12 meatballs) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste

French Onion Sauce

• 2 large sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Butter or oil for caramelizing onions

Instructions

1. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a uniform mixture.
2. Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep them from sticking together before cooking.
3. Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter or heat oil and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until the onions become golden brown and caramelized, developing deep flavor.
4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Transfer caramelized onions to the slow cooker. Add low-sodium beef broth, soy sauce, dried thyme, and any remaining bits of onion left in the skillet to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
5. Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Gently place the meatballs into the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged within the onion and broth mixture for even cooking.
6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or on high heat for 3 hours until meatballs are cooked through and tender, and flavors have melded beautifully.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and create a healthier dish.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the slow cooker mixture.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the final 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to reduce.
• Serve these meatballs over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to enjoy the rich sauce fully.
• Make sure to caramelize onions slowly to develop maximum sweetness and depth for the sauce.

Keywords: Crock Pot meatballs, French onion meatballs, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, caramelized onion meatballs, easy dinner recipes