Description
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs combine the savory flavors of French onion soup with juicy, tender meatballs. This easy, flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or a cozy comfort food meal. With minimal effort, you’ll enjoy a hearty dish of melt-in-your-mouth meatballs in a rich, savory onion gravy. Serve them on their own or with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty loaf of bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
For the French Onion Sauce:
- 2 cups French onion soup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamier sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. - Sear the Meatballs (optional):
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear them on all sides until they are browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step adds flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and just add the raw meatballs directly to the Crock Pot. - Prepare the French Onion Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the French onion soup, beef broth, heavy cream (if using), Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce (if using), and dried thyme. Stir well to combine. - Slow Cook the Meatballs:
Place the browned (or raw) meatballs into the Crock Pot. Pour the French onion sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are evenly coated. - Cook:
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. - Optional Cheese Topping:
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese on top of the meatballs and let it melt into the sauce. - Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve the French onion meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or a baguette to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter meatball option.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last hour of cooking.
- For added depth of flavor, consider using caramelized onions in the French onion sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg