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
Scale
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