This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe makes soft meatballs in a rich onion sauce. It cooks slowly and fills the house with good smells. If you like slow cooked meals, try the French Onion Pot Roast recipe for a similar flavor idea.
Why make this recipe
This dish is easy to mix and set in the slow cooker. You can start it in the morning and eat a warm meal in the evening. It uses simple pantry items and gives deep onion flavor. It also stretches well for families or meal prep, like the Juicy French Onion Pot Roast does.
How to make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients : 1 lb lean ground beef, 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 2 large sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced, 2 large eggs, 1 cup low-sodium beef broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp dried thyme, Salt and pepper to taste
Directions : In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. In a skillet over medium heat, caramelize sliced onions in butter or oil for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. In the slow cooker, mix caramelized onions with beef broth, soy sauce, dried thyme, and remaining onion bits. Gently add the meatballs to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
If you like creamy slow cooker dishes, you might also like Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti (version 2) for another easy meal idea.
How to serve Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Serve the meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. Add crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A small green salad makes a fresh side. For another creamy side idea, try the Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti recipe.
How to store Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Cool the meatballs to room temperature for up to two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
- Use lean beef so the sauce does not get too greasy.
- Do not rush the onions; slow caramelizing brings the best flavor.
- If meatballs fall apart, chill them 15 minutes before browning or use a binder like extra breadcrumbs.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine before slow cooking.
- Want a full comfort meal? Pair with a bowl of Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup.
FAQs
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey works but it is leaner. Add a little oil or extra breadcrumbs for texture.
Q: Do I need to brown the meatballs first?
A: No, but browning adds color and helps them hold together. You can skip it to save time.
Q: Can I make this on high for less time?
A: Yes. Cook on high for about 3 hours instead of 6 hours on low.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker. Cook 15-30 minutes more.
Q: Can I freeze the meatballs in sauce?
A: Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in a tight container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
For more slow cooker ideas and versions of this dish, see the recipe at Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs – The Country Cook. You can also compare notes with the version at Crockpot French Onion Meatballs – In the Kitchen with Momma Mel. If you want another clear write-up, check Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs – Slow Cooker Meals. For a different take, read the guide at Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs – The Chunky Chef. You can also see tips and photos at Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs.
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef Use lean beef to prevent greasiness.
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs Extra breadcrumbs can be used as a binder.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
Onion Sauce Ingredients
- 2 large sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced Slow caramelizing brings out the best flavor.
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp butter or oil Used for caramelizing onions.
Instructions
Preparation of Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Caramelizing Onions
- In a skillet over medium heat, caramelize sliced onions in butter or oil for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
Cooking in Slow Cooker
- In the slow cooker, mix caramelized onions with beef broth, soy sauce, dried thyme, and remaining onion bits.
- Gently add the meatballs to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.