- These Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs are a delicious, savory twist on traditional meatballs. Packed with classic French onion flavors, these tender beef meatballs simmer in a rich and flavorful broth, perfect for serving as an appetizer, main dish, or over mashed potatoes or pasta. The best part? The crock pot does most of the work for you!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef: The base of the meatballs; use lean beef for the best texture.
¼ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and umami flavor.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory kick.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the French onion flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and enhances the flavors.
For the French Onion Sauce:
2 large onions, thinly sliced: The star ingredient for the rich, caramelized flavor.
2 tablespoons butter: For sautéing the onions to golden perfection.
2 cups beef broth: Forms the base of the sauce and enhances the hearty flavor.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a touch of tang.
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional): For a subtle herby note.
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese: To top the dish for a melty, cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside. This recipe should yield about 16–20 meatballs.
2. Prepare the French Onion Sauce
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and caramelized (about 15–20 minutes).
Deglaze the skillet by adding a splash of beef broth and scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Transfer the caramelized onions to the crock pot.
3. Assemble in the Crock Pot
Add the meatballs on top of the caramelized onions in the crock pot.
Pour the remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme over the meatballs.
Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
4. Cook the Meatballs
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
5. Add the Cheese
Once the meatballs are cooked, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the top.
Cover and let cook for an additional 10–15 minutes on low, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these flavorful meatballs with:
Mashed Potatoes: A creamy base for the rich sauce.
Buttered Noodles: For a comforting, hearty meal.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the crock pot, microwave, or on the stovetop until heated through.
Freeze: Allow the meatballs to cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Flavorful: Caramelized onions and beef broth create a decadent French onion-inspired sauce.
Effortless Cooking: The crock pot does the heavy lifting, making this a perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe.
Versatile Dish: Works as an appetizer, main course, or a comforting family meal.
These Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs are a must-try for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors. Whether served at a party or as a cozy dinner, they’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!