Description

These Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs bring together the tender juiciness of homemade meatballs and the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. Simmered to perfection in a slow cooker, this savory dish is incredibly versatile. Serve them as a comforting main dish over mashed potatoes or pasta, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The best part? The slow cooker takes care of the hard work, filling your home with the irresistible aroma of onions, beef, and melted cheese.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (lean recommended)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the French Onion Sauce:
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Preparation Method

Make the Meatballs:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gently mix the ingredients until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, aiming for consistent sizes for even cooking. This recipe should yield approximately 16–20 meatballs. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

Prepare the French Onion Sauce:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the sliced onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become golden brown and caramelized. This process takes about 15–20 minutes and is essential for developing the rich flavor of the sauce.

Deglaze the skillet by adding a splash of beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Transfer the caramelized onions to the crock pot.

Assemble in the Crock Pot:
Place the meatballs on top of the caramelized onions in the crock pot. Pour the remaining beef broth over the meatballs, along with the Worcestershire sauce and thyme (if using). Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly in the sauce.

Cook the Meatballs:
Cover and cook the meatballs on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The meatballs are done when they’re tender and fully cooked through.

Add the Cheese:
Once the meatballs are cooked, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let cook on low for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips and Conclusion

Caramelize with Care: Don’t rush the onions. Their rich, sweet flavor comes from slow, even cooking.
Make Ahead: You can prepare and freeze the meatballs in advance. Simply thaw and add them to the crock pot when ready to cook.
Cheese Choices: If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss or even mozzarella make excellent substitutes.

These Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs are the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. Whether you’re hosting guests, meal-prepping, or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this dish delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. Ready to explore more slow cooker recipes? Check out our collection of hearty and comforting dishes that make every meal special. Don’t forget to share your creations—we’d love to see how you enjoyed this flavorful favorite! 🍽️✨