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Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

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Juicy, tender meatballs are slow-cooked with caramelized onions and a savory French onion-inspired sauce, then topped with gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food dinner. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe brings all the flavors of French onion soup to your slow cooker with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds frozen homestyle meatballs (beef or turkey)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon, adjust at the end)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat, then cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and soft (about 10-12 minutes). If onions start to stick, add a tablespoon of broth and scrape up browned bits.
  3. Add frozen meatballs to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Top with caramelized onions and all juices from the pan.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and onions in the slow cooker.
  7. Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-2.5 hours, until meatballs are hot and onions are very soft.
  8. If a thicker sauce is desired, whisk cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving. Turn to High and let it bubble until thickened.
  9. Sprinkle mozzarella, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese on top of the meatballs.
  10. Cover and cook on Low for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and gooey.
  11. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve hot.

Notes

For best flavor, caramelize the onions before adding to the slow cooker. Use gluten-free meatballs and broth for a gluten-free version. Mozzarella is melty and kid-friendly, while Gruyère or Swiss add classic French onion flavor. You can skip caramelizing onions if short on time, but the flavor will be milder. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, French onion, meatballs, cheesy, comfort food, easy dinner, party appetizer, family meal

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/crockpot-french-onion-meatballs-recipe-easy-cheesy-slow-cooker-dinner/