Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Slow-cooked to tender perfection with savory broth and melted cheese, they make a delicious and easy dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them in the crockpot in a single layer.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, stir together the beef broth and French onion soup mix until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the broth mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot, ensuring they are mostly covered.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, cover again, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• For extra flavor, sauté the onions before adding them to the meat mixture.
• Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatballs for a fresh touch.
• Serve over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these French Onion Meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze cooked meatballs in their sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make the meatballs without a crockpot?

Absolutely. Brown the meatballs in a skillet, then simmer them in the broth and soup mix on low heat on the stovetop until cooked through, about 30 minutes.

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 112 reviews

This Crockpot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich French onion soup sauce, making for a comforting and easy slow-cooked meal. Perfect for busy days, these meatballs are topped with gooey melted mozzarella for an irresistible finish.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Topping

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet French onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated but do not overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, for consistent cooking in the crockpot.
3. Place Meatballs in Crockpot: Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer inside your slow cooker, ensuring they are spaced evenly to cook properly.
4. Mix and Pour Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth with the French onion soup mix until fully dissolved. Pour this flavorful liquid evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot.
5. Slow Cook the Meatballs: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the meatballs to absorb the French onion flavors and become tender.
6. Add Cheese Topping: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cooked meatballs. Cover again and continue cooking until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Notes

• For firmer meatballs, you can sear them briefly in a pan before placing them in the crockpot.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• This recipe pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Use lean ground beef to reduce grease but still maintain a juicy texture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, french onion meatballs, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner, comfort food, mozzarella toppings