Description
This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender, juicy meatballs with the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. Slow-cooked to perfection, these meatballs are infused with garlic, thyme, and Parmesan, then simmered in a flavorful onion soup sauce, making for a comforting and easy meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
Sauce
- 2 cups French onion soup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamier sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form and sear the meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
- Mix the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, soy sauce (if using), and heavy cream (if desired). Stir until well blended.
- Slow cook the meatballs: Place the seared meatballs in the crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well covered. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
- Add final touches: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese on top of the meatballs (if using). Cover and let the cheese melt.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the meatballs for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve hot, ideally with mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for beef.
- Searing the meatballs before slow cooking adds flavor and helps retain texture.
- The heavy cream is optional but adds a richer, creamier sauce.
- French onion soup can be homemade or store-bought; choose a good quality for best flavor.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance color and freshness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
