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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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground beef Use lean beef to prevent greasiness.
  • 1/2 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.

Method
 

Preparation of Meatballs
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into one-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Caramelizing Onions
  1. 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
  1. In the slow cooker, mix caramelized onions with beef broth, soy sauce, dried thyme, and remaining onion bits.
  2. Gently add the meatballs to the slow cooker, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
  3. 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.