Description
Savory Crockpot French Onion Meatballs blend classic French flavors with hearty comfort. Slow-cooked beef morsels swimming in caramelized onion sauce promise a rich, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
Cheese:
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese (optional)
Herbs, Spices, and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding and Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Liquid and Soup Components:
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
Vegetables:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Craft succulent meatballs by blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently shape mixture into uniform 1-inch spheres.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully brown meatballs on all surfaces for approximately 4-5 minutes, ensuring golden exterior but not fully cooked. Transfer seared meatballs to crockpot.
- Utilize the same skillet to caramelize sliced onions, stirring periodically for 5-7 minutes until soft and golden. Deposit onions into crockpot alongside meatballs.
- Whisk beef broth with French onion soup mix, creating a rich liquid seasoning. Pour this aromatic mixture evenly over meatballs and onions.
- Secure crockpot lid and slow cook: 4-6 hours on low setting or 2-3 hours on high setting. Ensure meatballs reach tender, thoroughly cooked consistency.
- During final 15 minutes, generously sprinkle Gruyere or Swiss cheese atop meatballs. Allow cheese to melt completely by maintaining covered crockpot.
- Plate meatballs with optional fresh parsley garnish. Accompany with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Sear meatballs thoroughly to lock in juices and create a delicious golden-brown exterior that enhances flavor and texture.
- Use ground beef with 80/20 fat content for optimal moisture and richness in the meatballs, preventing them from becoming dry during slow cooking.
- Make the dish gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
- Prepare meatballs ahead of time and freeze uncooked for quick weeknight dinners, maintaining the same delicious taste and quality when slow-cooked from frozen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 405 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg