Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
A comforting and easy recipe featuring tender meatballs cooked slowly with caramelized onions in a savory beef broth and brown gravy sauce, topped with melted Gruyere cheese. Perfect served over rice or mashed potatoes for a classic French onion flavor with a hearty protein twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French-inspired American
Ingredients
Meatballs and Onions
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
- 26 ounces frozen meatballs
Broth and Seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 ounce package brown gravy mix
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Thickening and Topping
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1½ cups Gruyere cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare Onions and Meatballs: Place the sliced yellow onions at the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot to provide a flavorful base. Then, layer the frozen meatballs evenly over the onions.
- Mix Broth and Seasonings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar until fully combined. Pour this savory mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crock pot.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on the high setting for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the onions to caramelize and the meatballs to become tender while absorbing the rich flavors.
- Thicken Sauce and Add Cheese: In a small bowl, whisk together the corn starch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Pour this over the meatballs and stir gently to combine. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese on top, then cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Spoon the French onion meatballs and sauce over a bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Enjoy this hearty, cheesy, and flavorful dish as a comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, avoid thawing the frozen meatballs before adding them to the crock pot to retain their shape and texture.
- You can substitute Gruyere cheese with Swiss cheese if Gruyere is unavailable.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or chives as a garnish before serving for extra flavor and color.
- This dish pairs well with steamed green vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/crock-pot-french-onion-meatballs-recipe/
