Sweet Melt-in-Your-Mouth Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs Recipe
Savory french onion beef meatballs deliver a comforting twist on classic comfort food that will make you swoon.
Slow-cooking transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece bursting with rich flavor.
Caramelized onions and tender beef create a luxurious sauce that hugs each perfectly seasoned meatball.
Hearty and satisfying, this dish promises to become a weeknight favorite for anyone seeking deliciousness without complicated preparation.
Robust herbs and carefully selected spices bring depth to every single bite.
Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical in your kitchen.
You won’t believe how easily these meatballs come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prepare to be amazed by this irresistible meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.
What Goes with French Onion Meatballs
French Onion Meatball Ideas
FAQs
Mix the ground beef with breadcrumbs and egg, which act as binding agents. Also, avoid overworking the meat mixture and handle the meatballs gently when forming them to maintain their structure.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground pork. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
No, browning is not required for this recipe. The slow cooking process will thoroughly cook the meatballs while keeping them tender and juicy.
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). This ensures the meatballs are safe to eat and cooked through completely.
Reasons to Make Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs Tonight
French Onion Meatballs (Crock Pot) Ingredients
Main Proteins:Meatball Binders and Fillers:Cheese Topping:Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:Vegetable Base:Garnish:Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Prep
Step 1: Craft Savory Meatballs
Mix ground beef with the following ingredients:Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, aiming for uniform 1-inch spheres that will cook evenly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation
Spread sliced onions across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a fragrant bed for the meatballs. Gently place the prepared meatballs on top of the onion layer.
Step 3: Develop Rich Sauce
Whisk together these liquid ingredients to create a robust sauce:Pour the sauce carefully over the meatballs, ensuring complete coverage.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low setting for 4-5 hours or High setting for 2-3 hours. The meatballs are ready when they reach a safe internal temperature and are tender throughout.
Step 5: Add Cheesy Finish
Sprinkle a combination of:Cover and let the cheese melt for approximately 15 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Transfer the meatballs to a serving dish. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and additional flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting meal.
Meatball Tips That Bring French Onion Comfort in a Crock Pot
Properly Storing Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs
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Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hearty Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs combine classic French flavors with comforting slow-cooker ease. Rich beef meatballs simmered in caramelized onion sauce promise a delicious dinner that brings warmth and depth to your table.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ground beef
Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
Seasoning:
- 1 packet French onion soup mix (divided)
Instructions
- Craft the meatball mixture by combining ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and half of the French onion soup mix, ensuring thorough blending and even distribution of ingredients.
- Form uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter, rolling carefully to maintain consistent shape and density.
- Create a foundational layer of sliced onions across the bottom of the crock pot, providing a flavorful base for the meatballs to rest upon.
- Gently arrange the prepared meatballs atop the onion layer, spacing them evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Develop the cooking liquid by whisking beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining French onion soup mix until smoothly integrated.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the meatballs, ensuring complete coverage and moisture throughout the cooking process.
- Secure the crock pot lid and set to low temperature, allowing meatballs to slow-cook for 4-5 hours, developing rich, deep flavors.
- Fifteen minutes prior to serving, generously sprinkle mozzarella and Swiss/Gruyère cheeses across the meatballs.
- Replace lid and allow cheese to melt completely, creating a luxurious, golden-brown topping.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
Notes
- Toast breadcrumbs before mixing for extra crunch and deeper flavor enhancement in meatballs.
- Use lean ground beef (90/10) to prevent excess grease pooling in slow cooker.
- Allow meatballs to rest 10 minutes after cooking for better texture and easier serving.
- Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Marcus Hale
Founder & Recipe Storyteller
Expertise
Education
Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.
At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.