What’s better than the comforting aroma of a slow-cooked meal wafting through your home? That’s exactly what you get with Crockpot French Onion Meatballs—a delightful twist on a classic French onion soup that transforms ground beef into mouth-watering meatballs, all while being effortlessly prepared in your trusty crockpot. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this savory dish delivers on both flavor and simplicity. Let me share why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen!
Why make this recipe
When it comes to meal planning, the Crockpot French Onion Meatballs stands out for plenty of reasons. This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s all about the layers of flavor that come together beautifully. It’s a budget-friendly option that can feed a crowd or provide delicious leftovers for the week. Kids adore it, and it makes for a hearty family meal that feels both fancy and comforting.
“These meatballs were a hit at our family gathering! Everyone loved the rich flavor, and they were gone in minutes!” – Sarah M.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something impressive for a special occasion. You can prepare it in advance and let the crockpot do the work!
Preparing Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Cooking this dish is a breeze thanks to the slow cooker. Start by blending the meatball ingredients together, then let them simmer on low heat while you go about your day. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delectable meal ready to enjoy!
The cooking process explained
- Mix the meatball ingredients: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl, then form into meatballs.
- Layer the onions: Slice the onions and lay them at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Add the meatballs: Place your meatballs right on top of those onion slices.
- Pour the broth: Whisk together the beef broth and onion soup mix, then pour it over the meatballs.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Garnish and serve: Once finished, top with fresh parsley before serving.
What you’ll need
To whip up these comforting meatballs, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
This list includes all the essentials, but feel free to get creative! You could swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Step-by-step instructions
Let’s dive into making these mouth-watering meatballs.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and shape into meatballs.
- Take those freshly sliced onions and place them at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Gently arrange your meatballs on top of the onion slices, ensuring they’re evenly seated.
- In another bowl, mix the beef broth and onion soup mix, then pour this savory blend over the meatballs.
- Put the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, serve the meatballs with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that vibrant touch.
Best ways to enjoy it
Crockpot French Onion Meatballs shine on their own, but there are plenty of great ways to enhance your dining experience. Serve them over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or pasta for an extra hearty meal. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth, or enjoy it as an appetizer during your next gathering.
Storage and reheating tips
If you happen to have leftovers—consider yourself lucky! To store, allow the meatballs to cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw first (if frozen) and warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Always make sure to practice safe food handling!
Helpful cooking tips
- Don’t overcrowd the crockpot: For the best results, give your meatballs room to cook evenly.
- Test for doneness: Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they’re fully cooked.
- Flavor boost: For extra depth, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to your meatball mixture.
Creative twists
Looking to switch things up? How about adding finely chopped mushrooms or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meatball mixture? You can also throw in some cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor! For a kick, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Common questions
- How long is the prep time? The prep time for this dish is around 20 minutes, making it quick to put together!
- Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work well as substitutes, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Is it safe to freeze leftovers? Yes, just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container to keep them fresh. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor, comfort, and ease. Unleash their potential in your kitchen and watch your family fall in love with this delightful dish!
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Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
- Total Time: 260 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delightful twist on classic French onion soup, these slow-cooked meatballs are flavorful and convenient.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and shape into meatballs.
- Place the sliced onions at the bottom of your crockpot.
- Arrange the meatballs on top of the onions.
- In another bowl, mix the beef broth and onion soup mix, then pour this mixture over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg