Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
This dish features soft meatballs cooked in a rich onion sauce, perfect for slow cooking and ideal for families or meal prep.
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.
Notes
Serve the meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. For a richer sauce, add a splash of red wine before slow cooking. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
