Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs combine savory meatballs with rich caramelized onions and a flavorful gravy, all slow-cooked to perfection. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and ideal for busy days when you want a hearty, delicious meal waiting for you.

Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
• 26 oz frozen meatballs
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 oz packet brown gravy mix
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart Crock Pot. Arrange the frozen meatballs on top of the onions.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar until well combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the broth mixture evenly over the meatballs and onions in the Crock Pot.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3½ hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until meatballs are heated through and onions are tender.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the water and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the Crock Pot to thicken the sauce.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let it melt for about 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Serve the meatballs hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
8. Step 8: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper flavor, caramelize the onions lightly in a skillet before adding them to the Crock Pot.
• Replace Gruyère with Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a different but equally tasty twist.
• Add a splash of red wine in place of white wine vinegar for richer flavor.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until hot. The cheese topping is best added fresh after reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed, checking that they are cooked through before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

This recipe can be adapted using plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth. Keep the other ingredients the same for similar rich flavors.

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 264 reviews

This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines savory frozen meatballs with sweet, caramelized onions and a rich brown gravy, all slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with melted Gruyère cheese, it’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes on HIGH or 5 to 6 hours on LOW
• Total Time: 3 hours to 7 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs and Onions

• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
• 26 oz frozen meatballs

Gravy

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 oz packet brown gravy mix
• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar

Thickener

• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch

Topping

• 1½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare Crock Pot Base: Place the sliced onions evenly at the bottom of a 6-quart Crock Pot, then layer the frozen meatballs on top of the onions.
2. Mix Gravy Ingredients: 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 the gravy mix is fully dissolved and ingredients are well combined.
3. Add Gravy to Crock Pot: Pour the prepared broth and gravy mixture evenly over the meatballs and onions in the Crock Pot, ensuring everything is well coated.
4. Cook Meatballs and Onions: Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3½ hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the onions are tender and flavorful.
5. Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk the water together with the cornstarch to create a slurry, then stir this mixture into the Crock Pot. This will thicken the sauce during the next step.
6. Add Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce, then cover the Crock Pot again and allow to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Serve the French Onion Meatballs hot over your choice of mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
8. Optional Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness, if desired.

Notes

• For best results, use a 6-quart Crock Pot to ensure even cooking and enough space for all ingredients.
• If fresh onions are preferred, caramelize them separately before adding to deepen flavor complexity.
• The dish pairs excellently with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the luscious gravy.
• Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially salt, as the gravy mix and broth might add sodium.
• For a thicker gravy, allow the slurry to cook a few extra minutes in the Crock Pot after adding cornstarch.

Keywords: French onion meatballs, crock pot meatballs, slow cooker recipe, Gruyère cheese meatballs, comfort food, easy dinner