Description
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs combine tender, fully cooked meatballs with rich caramelized onions and classic French onion soup flavors, slow-cooked to perfection and topped with melted Gruyère cheese. This comforting American dish is ideal for a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for effortless entertaining or a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Sauce
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen fully cooked meatballs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup, condensed
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized. This step develops the rich, sweet flavor that is essential to the dish.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute to release its aroma, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the caramelized onions and garlic into the crock pot. Add the frozen meatballs, Worcestershire sauce, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, dried thyme, and black pepper. Gently stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the meatballs are thoroughly heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add Cheese: During the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the top. Cover again and cook until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.
- You can use either homemade or store-bought meatballs depending on your preference and time.
- For deeper flavor complexity, consider adding a splash of dry sherry or red wine along with the broth.
