Ever dreamed of a dinner that practically cooks itself while filling your home with mouthwatering aromas?
You’re in for a treat with Crockpot French Onion Meatballs! Picture this: tender beef meatballs bathed in savory broth, mingling with caramelized onions and topped with bubbly mozzarella cheese. It’s a quick and easy dinner that feels special enough for guests but cozy enough for solo nights in. Plus, it’s made all in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!
Why make this recipe
- Easy Cleanup: Who wants to deal with a pile of dirty dishes? This recipe hugs the “one-pot wonder” philosophy tightly.
- Family-Friendly: Kids (and adults) love meatballs. You can’t go wrong teaming up tender meatballs with gooey cheese.
- Affordable Ingredients: No bank-breaking gourmet stuff here—just simple, satisfying ingredients that make you feel like a kitchen pro.
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs.
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add beef broth and soup mix, stirring to combine.
- Place meatballs on top of the onion mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Serve warm.
How to make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs (Overview)
Making these meatballs is almost too easy! Start by mixing all those tasty ingredients to form your meatballs—don’t skip the breadcrumbs; they keep things juicy. Layer your onions in the crockpot like they’re royalty, then add broth and soup mix to create a sumptuous base. Pop those meatballs on top and let them simmer for a good long while. The hardest part? Waiting until they’re done cooking! Pro tip: pair them with some crusty bread for maximum dipping delight!
How to serve Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Serve these meatballs hot, straight from the crockpot, for an aroma that beckons everyone to the table. Try them on a bed of rice or nestle them in a sub roll for a comforting sandwich. Pair with a crisp green salad for a pop of color and crunch. You’ll love watching the melting mozzarella and the broth oozing with every bite. Swoon-worthy, anyone? 😍
How to store Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Leftovers? No problem! They keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave. If you want to save them for later, toss them in the freezer, where they’ll gladly hibernate for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw and heat. It’s like having your dinner fairy at your beck and call! 😉
Tips to make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
- Don’t overwhelm the crockpot: If yours is smaller, make in batches so everything cooks evenly.
- Swap it up: Ground turkey or chicken works well too if you want a lighter option.
- For richer flavor, sauté the onions in a pan before adding them to the crockpot—total game-changer!
- Season generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; seasoning is key.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor and color—think parsley or thyme.
Variation
Want to mix it up? Try adding some sautéed mushrooms for an earthier taste or swap in vegan meatballs for a plant-based version. You could even toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist!
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just toss them in the crockpot with the onions and broth, and adjust cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Totally! You can prep the meatballs and store them in the fridge for a day before throwing them in the slow cooker.
How can I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the broth, mix a bit of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the crockpot in the last hour of cooking. Easy peasy!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Form mixture into meatballs.
- Place sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add beef broth and soup mix, stirring to combine.
- Place meatballs on top of the onion mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover until melted.
- Serve warm, optionally over rice or in a sub roll.