Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

The Savory Delight of Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and hearty dish that warms the soul. Perfect for busy families or those lazy weekends when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss, this recipe combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender meatballs. Cooking them in a slow cooker allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a meal that’s easy to prepare and delightful to eat. These meatballs make a wonderful main dish and can be served with a variety of sides.

Why Make This Recipe

There are countless reasons to make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs. First and foremost, they’re convenient. The slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day. This recipe requires minimal prep; once you’ve assembled everything, just let the cooker do its magic.

Furthermore, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of ground beef, rich beef broth, and onion soup creates a savory sauce that seeps into the meatballs while they cook. This dish is also versatile. You can serve it over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes, making it adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs also score high on the comfort food scale. The smell as it cooks fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma that makes everyone’s mouth water. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or even potlucks.

In short, this recipe is a winner all around: easy to make, full of flavor, and a hearty meal that satisfies.

How to Make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

Making Crockpot French Onion Meatballs is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious meal that your family will love.

Ingredients

To prepare Crockpot French Onion Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or oil

Directions

Follow these directions to make your Crockpot French Onion Meatballs:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
3. Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot.
4. Add the browned meatballs on top of the onions.
5. In a separate bowl, mix beef broth and onion soup mix, then pour over the meatballs.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve warm and enjoy the savory flavors!

How to Serve Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs taste amazing on their own, but you can elevate your meal by serving them with various sides.

• Serve with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a classic comfort meal.
• Pair them with pasta for a twist on spaghetti and meatballs.
• Place meatballs in a sub roll, top with cheese, and melt in the oven for a delicious meatball sandwich.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan for added color and flavor.

Consider offering a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal.

How to Store Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

If you have leftovers (which is often the case), storing them is easy:

• Refrigerate: Place the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a resealable bag or airtight container. They can last for up to three months. Label and date your containers to track how long they have been frozen.

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, and then warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Tips to Make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the meatball mixture.
• Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the taste.
• Use a mix of ground meats, such as turkey or pork, for a unique flavor.
• Make the meatballs smaller for quicker cooking time in the crockpot—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Consider using low-sodium beef broth for a healthier option.

Variation

Feel free to customize your Crockpot French Onion Meatballs! Here are a few variations to consider:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
• Cheesy Delight: Top with Swiss or provolone cheese about 30 minutes before serving for a gooey finish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to a day in advance. Just brown them and add to the crockpot when you’re ready.

2. Can I use frozen meatballs?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can substitute pre-made frozen meatballs. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

3. How do I make this dish low-carb?

For a low-carb option, skip the breadcrumbs and serve the meatballs over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs will quickly become a family favorite with their delicious flavors and easy prep steps! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

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• Author: amanda-hart
• Total Time: 255 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

Comforting and hearty meatballs infused with the flavors of French onion soup, cooked slowly for a rich and savory meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or oil

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
3. Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot.
4. Add the browned meatballs on top of the onions.
5. In a separate bowl, mix beef broth and onion soup mix, then pour over the meatballs.
6. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
7. Serve warm and enjoy the savory flavors!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic and herbs like thyme or rosemary. Use low-sodium beef broth for a healthier option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: crockpot, meatballs, French onion, slow cooker, comfort food