Description
These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a delicious and easy meal, marrying savory meatballs with a rich, caramelized onion gravy. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 2 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, for onions)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (for topping)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice (optional, for finishing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, panko, egg, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 1.5-inch meatballs (approx. 20-24).
- Sauté the Onions: Heat olive oil/butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 10-15 minutes until softened and golden. Add minced garlic and flour, stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Transfer sautéed onions to the slow cooker. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire, thyme, and bay leaf. Gently nestle meatballs into the liquid.
- Slow Cook for Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until meatballs are tender and cooked through.
- Final Touches: Remove bay leaf. Adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with Gruyère cheese and let melt (or broil briefly). Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours