Description
Discover savory Crockpot French Onion Meatballs that are effortlessly tender and full of rich, caramelized onion flavor. Perfect for a comforting family meal, these meatballs simmer in a luscious broth to create a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal prep and maximal taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet French onion soup mix, divided
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tablespoons cooking oil (for caramelizing onions)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Slice the yellow onions thinly and sauté in a hot pan with a bit of oil over medium heat. Cook slowly until the onions become golden and caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness and rich flavor.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and half of the French onion soup mix. Mix gently but thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients without overworking the meat for tender meatballs.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into uniform meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure even cooking.
- Assemble in the Crockpot: Spread half of the caramelized onions on the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange the meatballs evenly on top, then cover with the remaining onions. Pour the beef broth over the entire mixture and sprinkle the remaining French onion soup mix on top.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot on low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the meatballs to become tender and absorb the rich flavors.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, gently stir the meatballs and onions to coat everything in the flavorful broth. Serve hot with your choice of sides and garnishes.
Notes
- Caramelize onions thoroughly over medium heat for the best sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Do not skip adding beef broth as it keeps the meatballs moist and creates a flavorful sauce.
- Use a cookie scoop or spoon to shape meatballs evenly for consistent cooking.
- Layer onions under and over meatballs to maximize flavor absorption.
- Avoid overcrowding the crockpot to ensure even heat circulation around meatballs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg