Crock-Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Crock-Pot French Onion Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Combining savory meatballs with rich onion soup sauce and melted cheese, this recipe is effortless and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 package frozen meatballs (about 24 meatballs)
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or mozzarella works well)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the frozen meatballs into the Crock-Pot.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the onion soup mix and beef broth until well combined.
- Step 3: Pour the broth and soup mixture over the meatballs, making sure they’re well coated.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until meatballs are heated through and tender.
- Step 5: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs and cover to allow the cheese to melt.
- Step 6: Serve warm as an appetizer or with mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté sliced onions before adding them to the Crock-Pot along with the meatballs.
- Try different cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a unique twist.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water about 30 minutes before adding cheese.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the sauce moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work great. Just brown them first for better texture and then proceed with the recipe.
Can I make this recipe without a Crock-Pot?
You can cook the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat until heated through, but slow cooking helps develop deeper flavors and tender meatballs.
PrintCrock-Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
A comforting and easy slow-cooker recipe featuring tender meatballs simmered in a savory French onion soup sauce, topped with melted cheese for a deliciously hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef or ground meat of choice
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
French Onion Sauce
- 1 package (1 ounce) onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup water
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs, placing them evenly into the crock-pot.
- Make Onion Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the onion soup mix with beef broth and water until well blended.
- Cook Meatballs: Pour the onion soup sauce over the meatballs in the crock-pot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top of the meatballs. Cover the crock-pot to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Once cheese has melted, serve the meatballs hot, optionally with mashed potatoes, rice, or over toast for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Adding chopped fresh onions or sautéed mushrooms can add extra flavor and texture to the sauce.
- If you prefer crispier meatballs, you can sear them in a skillet before placing them in the crock-pot.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Adjust cheese type to your preference—provolone or cheddar can be good substitutes.
Keywords: Crock-Pot meatballs, French onion meatballs, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, easy dinner
