Description
Simmering with rich flavors, Crockpot French Onion Meatballs blend classic French cuisine’s warmth with comforting slow-cooker convenience. Home cooks will savor these tender meatballs nestled in caramelized onion gravy, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 package onion soup mix
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Caramelized onions
- Mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Blend ground beef with bread crumbs, egg, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce until thoroughly combined, then carefully shape into uniform round meatballs.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear meatballs, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all surfaces, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Prepare the crockpot by layering caramelized onions across the bottom, then gently arrange the seared meatballs on top of the onion base.
- Pour beef broth over the meatballs, ensuring they are partially submerged in liquid for optimal moisture and flavor infusion.
- Cover the crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 5-6 hours, allowing meatballs to become tender and absorb the rich onion and broth essence.
- During the final 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs to create a melted, golden topping.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer meatballs to a serving platter, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and aromatic.
Notes
- Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version.
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce overall fat content without compromising flavor.
- Caramelize onions beforehand to deepen the rich, sweet flavor profile and enhance the French onion essence of the dish.
- Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during cooking to elevate the meatballs’ complexity and create a more gourmet experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg