Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with tender, juicy meatballs. Simmered to perfection in a slow cooker, these meatballs are topped with melted cheese, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey for a leaner option
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the French Onion Base
- 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
For Topping
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until combined, then roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- (Optional) Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat to lock in flavor.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring often, until golden and caramelized (about 20 minutes).
Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Layer the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Pour the caramelized onions over the top.
- Mix the beef broth, French onion soup mix, and thyme, then pour it over the meatballs and onions.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Garnish
- Sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese over the meatballs in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let it melt before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.