These Easy Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are packed with flavor and super tender. They’re made with juicy meatballs cooked in a rich onion and broth sauce, perfect for cozy meals!
Honestly, who doesn’t love a dish you can just throw in the crock pot and let it do the magic? I like to serve these with some crusty bread to soak up all that yummy sauce! 🥖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I love using a mix of beef and pork for added flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work too.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: This gives the meatballs a nice onion flavor. If you don’t have it, you can mix onion powder, garlic powder, and a bit of salt as a substitute. Just adjust to taste!
Italian-Seasoned Bread Crumbs: They help bind the meatballs and add flavor. If you don’t have these, plain bread crumbs or crushed crackers work well too.
Beef Broth: I prefer low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Chicken broth is another good option if you want a milder flavor.
Cheese: I recommend mozzarella for its melting quality, but Swiss adds a nice nutty flavor. You can skip the cheese entirely if you want a lighter dish.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions takes patience, but it’s worth it! The goal is to develop that sweet, rich flavor.
- Start with medium heat and add your butter and oil. This combination helps the onions cook evenly and brown nicely.
- Stir the onions every few minutes. This process usually takes about 15-20 minutes. If they start to burn, lower the heat.
- Keep cooking until they are a deep, golden brown. This really enhances the flavor you’ll enjoy in your meatballs!
Remember, every stove is different, so keep an eye on them and adjust the heat as needed. Enjoy cooking!
Easy Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix (about 1.3 ounces)
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 20 minutes of prep time and cooks in the crock pot for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day, set it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, dry onion soup mix, bread crumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be gentle when mixing—just combine everything until it looks well-blended without overworking the meat. This keeps your meatballs tender!
2. Shape and Place Meatballs:
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into balls about 1 to 1½ inches in size. Place each meatball carefully into your crock pot as you go.
3. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted, add the thinly sliced onions. Stir occasionally and let them cook until they’re soft and golden brown, which should take around 15-20 minutes. This will give your dish that delicious onion flavor!
4. Combine Everything in the Crock Pot:
Pour the caramelized onions and the butter/oil mixture over the meatballs in the crock pot. Make sure all those lovely flavors are combined!
5. Add the Broth:
Now, pour the beef broth into the crock pot. Ensure that the meatballs are at least partially submerged in the broth—this will keep them moist and flavorful while they cook.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cover the crock pot and choose either low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs should be completely cooked through and ready to enjoy when the time is up!
7. Serve with Cheese (Optional):
If you want a cheesy topping, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meatballs about 10 minutes before serving. Cover it again so the cheese can melt deliciously.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch! Serve these meatballs hot, either with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or over egg noodles for a hearty meal.
Enjoy your flavorful, tender French Onion Meatballs made easy in the crock pot! 🥘
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Can I Use Frozen Meatballs Instead?
Absolutely! You can use frozen meatballs to save time. Just add them directly to the crock pot without thawing, and increase the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or mixture of cooked lentils and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Just adjust the seasonings to your taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Extra Vegetables?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even carrots to the crock pot. Just add them at the same time as the meatballs for extra flavor and nutrition!