Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: A Comforting Delight

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs simmering in a rich, savory French onion sauce, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a convenient way to enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort.

The origins of French onion soup date back to ancient times, but it gained popularity in France during the 18th century. By incorporating this beloved flavor profile into meatballs, we create a dish that pays homage to its roots while adding a modern twist. People love Crockpot French Onion Meatballs for their incredible taste and texture; the meatballs soak up the delicious sauce, resulting in a dish that is both savory and satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, these meatballs are sure to impress. With the convenience of a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Join me in exploring this mouthwatering recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (for serving)

Preparing the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Make sure to mix them well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano to the meat mixture.
3. Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. Once the mixture is ready, use a cookie scoop or your hands to form meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. After forming all the meatballs, you can refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to help them firm up, which will make them easier to handle during cooking.

Cooking the Onions

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onions.
2. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are caramelized and golden brown. This step is crucial as it adds a deep flavor to the dish.
3. Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly.

Preparing the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, French onion soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to mix all the ingredients together.
2. Once the sauce is mixed, pour it into the bottom of the crockpot. This will create a flavorful base for the meatballs.
3. Next, add the caramelized onions on top of the sauce in the crockpot, spreading them evenly.

Cooking the Meatballs

1. Carefully place the meatballs on top of the onions in the crockpot. Make sure they are not overcrowded; if necessary, you can cook them in batches.
2. Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the meatballs to cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer they cook, the more tender they will become.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs. Cover the crockpot again to allow the cheese to melt and become bubbly.

Assembling and Serving

1. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid from the crockpot. The meatballs should be tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce and onions.
2. Using a slotted spoon, gently transfer the meatballs to a serving platter. Be cautious as they may fall apart easily due to their tenderness.
3. Drizzle some of the remaining sauce from the crockpot over the meatballs for added flavor.
4. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired, and serve the meatballs warm. They pair wonderfully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or even over pasta.

Tips for Success

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease, then these Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are an absolute must-try! The rich, savory taste of caramelized onions melds beautifully with tender meatballs, creating a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly simple to prepare. Just imagine coming home to the delightful aroma of this meal wafting through your house after a long day. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends.

When it comes to serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! You can serve these meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food experience, or pair them with a side of crusty bread to soak up that delicious French onion sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving them on a bed of sautéed greens or alongside a fresh salad. If you’re feeling adventurous, try them in a sub sandwich topped with melted cheese for a delightful twist on a classic meatball sub.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with variations as well! You can easily customize the flavor profile by adding different herbs and spices to the meatball mixture, such as thyme or rosemary, to enhance that French onion flavor. For a bit of a kick, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the sauce. If you prefer a different type of cheese, Gruyère or Swiss can be fantastic alternatives to the traditional mozzarella.

I encourage you to give these Crockpot French Onion Meatballs a try and experience the joy they bring to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any modifications you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Your feedback not only helps me improve but also inspires others to dive into this delightful recipe. So roll up your sleeves, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! You won’t regret it!

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Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

These savory meatballs blend ground beef and pork, seasoned and slow-cooked in a rich sauce with caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese. Tender and flavorful, they make for a comforting meal that's sure to impress!

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time360 minutes

Total Time390 minutes

Category: Family Dinners

Yield: 24 meatballs

Save This Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup French onion soup (canned or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Mix well for even flavor distribution.
2. Add breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, thyme, and oregano to the meat mixture.
3. Using your hands, mix all ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Form meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Refrigerate the meatballs for about 30 minutes to firm them up.
6. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions.
7. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until caramelized and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
8. In a medium bowl, combine beef broth, French onion soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well.
9. Pour the sauce into the bottom of the crockpot.
10. Add the caramelized onions on top of the sauce, spreading them evenly.
11. Carefully place the meatballs on top of the onions in the crockpot, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
12. Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
13. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs and cover to melt.
14. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the lid. The meatballs should be tender.
15. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meatballs to a serving platter.
16. Drizzle some remaining sauce over the meatballs.
17. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Notes

• For added flavor, consider using homemade French onion soup.
• You can substitute Gruyère cheese with Swiss or mozzarella if preferred.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.