Description
Hearty Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs merge classic comfort with gourmet flair, blending savory beef and caramelized onions in a rich, melted cheese sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, these meatballs bring French-inspired elegance right to your dinner table, promising a delicious meal you’ll crave again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Topping:
- 2 cups French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Craft a robust mixture by thoroughly blending ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gently form the meat mixture into uniformly sized spherical meatballs, ensuring consistent shape and size for even cooking.
- Enhance flavor development by searing meatballs in a hot skillet, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in rich, caramelized notes (this step amplifies taste complexity but remains optional).
- Transfer browned meatballs directly into the crock pot, creating a single layer across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Construct a savory liquid foundation by whisking French onion soup with Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce until ingredients harmonize into a cohesive, aromatic liquid.
- Cascade the prepared sauce entirely over the arranged meatballs, ensuring complete coverage and flavor penetration.
- Secure the crock pot lid and allow meatballs to simmer and tenderize, selecting low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours until meat reaches optimal internal doneness.
- During the final cooking moments, sprinkle Swiss cheese across the surface, permitting it to melt and create a luxurious, creamy finish.
- Present the succulent meatballs alongside complementary starches like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta, generously draped with the rich, onion-infused sauce.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by browning meatballs before slow cooking, creating a richer caramelized exterior that locks in delicious meaty taste.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that’s perfect for health-conscious eaters.
- Prevent dry meatballs by carefully monitoring cooking time and avoiding overcooking, ensuring juicy and tender results every time.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that soup and sauces are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg