Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs Recipe

These Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs are tender and flavorful, cooked in a rich and savory French onion soup-inspired sauce. Ideal for easy meal prep or party appetizers, these meatballs will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork (or you can use all ground beef if preferred)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the French Onion Sauce:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) if you plan to bake the meatballs first (optional, but helps with browning). Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter.
2. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they are lightly browned. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor and texture to the meatballs.
3. After browning, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Prepare the French Onion Sauce

1. In the same skillet (or a separate pan), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and caramelized. Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
3. Add the French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer for about 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker

1. Pour the onion sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
2. Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the meatballs are done, serve them directly from the slow cooker.
2. You can garnish with some extra fresh parsley or shredded cheese if you like!
3. These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, with mashed potatoes, over rice, or even on slider buns for a delicious sandwich.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs:

• Effortless: The slow cooker does all the work for you, making it perfect for busy days or when you need to prep a dish in advance.
• Savory Flavor: The combination of French onion soup and caramelized onions gives these meatballs a rich, deep flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile: You can serve these meatballs in many ways—on their own, over pasta, in a sandwich, or with mashed potatoes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making them for a dinner or a party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress guests!

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: These meatballs freeze really well. To freeze, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or slow cooker when ready to serve.