Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe
These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting, hands-off recipe featuring tender beef meatballs slow-cooked in a savory beef broth and French onion soup mix, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or meal prep, they deliver rich flavors and gooey cheese with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (using low setting)
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings (4 meatballs per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if preferred)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 packet French onion soup mix (approx. 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. They do not need to be perfectly shaped; slight rustic textures add charm.
- Place Meatballs in Crockpot: Arrange the meatballs snugly in the crockpot in layers, keeping in mind they will shrink slightly during cooking.
- Prepare and Add Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and French onion soup mix until well blended. Pour the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Cook and Finish: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours (low and slow is recommended). About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt until gooey.
Notes
- Mix meatball ingredients gently to prevent tough meatballs.
- Optional: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Let meatballs rest 10 minutes after rolling to help maintain shape during cooking.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh twist.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
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