Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender meatballs simmer in rich French onion broth, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meal.

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.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
3. Step 3: Place the meatballs evenly in the crockpot.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix beef broth and French onion soup mix until well combined, then pour over the meatballs.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cooked meatballs, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, caramelize the onions before adding them to the meat mixture.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the meat mixture for extra aroma.
• Serve over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, frozen meatballs can be used. Increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low to ensure they are cooked through.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Absolutely. Brown the meatballs in a skillet first, then simmer them in the broth and soup mix over low heat for 45 minutes to an hour, covering the pan until cooked through and tender.

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender meatballs simmered in savory French onion soup broth, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 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
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure even cooking.
3. Place Meatballs in Crockpot: Arrange the formed meatballs evenly inside the crockpot, creating a single layer without overcrowding.
4. Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and the French onion soup mix until fully combined.
5. Add Sauce to Crockpot: Pour the broth and soup mix mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot, making sure they are mostly submerged to allow thorough simmering.
6. Cook Meatballs: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs in the last 15 minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt beautifully over the top.
8. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, turn off the crockpot and serve the meatballs hot, spooning some of the flavorful sauce over each portion.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh onions finely chopped to enhance flavor and texture.
• Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs, but panko breadcrumbs can be used for a lighter texture.
• The French onion soup mix adds an authentic savory flavor; consider low-sodium broth to control saltiness.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.

Keywords: Crockpot meatballs, French onion meatballs, slow cooker recipe, easy dinner, comfort food