Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs Recipe Ever-Made Comfort

Crafting delectable slow cooker french onion meatballs will transport you to a world of comfort and flavor.

Rich, savory aromas will fill your kitchen as these tender morsels simmer gently.

Caramelized onions blend seamlessly with hearty beef, creating a mouthwatering dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Classic french techniques meet modern convenience in this remarkable recipe.

Each bite delivers a symphony of robust seasonings and melted cheese.

Tender meat infused with sweet onion notes will make this meal an instant favorite.

Prepare to surprise and delight everyone at your table with this irresistible culinary creation.

Slow Cooker Meatballs with That French Onion Kick

• Effortlessly cook these tender meatballs without standing over a hot stove, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Enjoy the rich, savory taste of French onion combined with juicy meatballs that'll make everyone at the dinner table ask for seconds.
• Kids and adults alike will love these delicious meatballs that transform a classic soup flavor into a hearty, satisfying meal.

Best Pairings for Onion Meatball Meals

• Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah to complement the rich, savory meatballs and cut through their hearty flavor profile.
• Grab a freshly baked loaf to soak up the delicious French onion sauce and add a delightful textural contrast to the tender meatballs.
• Create a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, thinly sliced caramelized onions, and a light vinaigrette to balance the meaty main dish.
• Whip up creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic to provide a smooth, comforting side that enhances the meatballs' robust flavors.

Twists on Meatballs with a French Flavor

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternative or finely chopped mushrooms mixed with lentils for a protein-rich vegetarian version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly meatball recipe.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

What You’ll Need for Savory Onion Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A rich, flavorful base for meatballs with a hearty texture and classic beef taste. Choose 80/20 ground beef for the best moisture and flavor.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Help hold the meatballs together and add depth of savory flavor. Use classic breadcrumbs or panko for extra crispness.
• Egg: Crucial for binding the ingredients and creating a tender meatball structure.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide robust background flavor without adding extra moisture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out the meat's natural taste and balancing the overall seasoning.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a touch of green color to the meatballs. Fresh parsley offers the brightest flavor.

How to Cook Juicy Meatballs in Rich Onion Gravy

Step 1: Prepare Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley

Gently mix ingredients until just blended, being careful not to overmix which can make meatballs tough.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Morsels

Roll the meat mixture into bite-sized balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter. Place shaped meatballs on a clean baking sheet or large plate.

Step 3: Brown Meatball Exterior

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place meatballs in the pan, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each meatball for 2-3 minutes, turning to create a golden-brown crust on multiple sides. This step locks in flavor and creates a delicious exterior.

Step 4: Slow Cook with French Onion Flair

Transfer browned meatballs to a slow cooker. Pour French onion soup over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered. If desired, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and cook on low setting for 4-6 hours. The low, slow cooking process allows meatballs to become incredibly tender and absorb the rich French onion flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove meatballs from slow cooker. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot as an appetizer or main course with crusty bread or over pasta.

Tips for Deep Flavor and Tender Texture

• Chill for Firmness: Refrigerate the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before shaping to help them hold together better and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Evenly Size Meatballs: Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to create uniform meatballs, ensuring consistent cooking and professional-looking results.
• Prevent Sticking: Lightly spray or grease the slow cooker insert with cooking spray to make cleanup easier and stop meatballs from sticking.
• Layer for Flavor: Pour half the French onion soup on the bottom of the slow cooker before adding meatballs, then cover with remaining soup for deeper taste infusion.
• Gentle Handling: Mix meatball ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat to keep the texture tender and prevent tough, dense meatballs.

Storing and Reheating These Meatballs Smoothly

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Let the meatballs cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual meatballs or the entire batch in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Gently warm meatballs on low heat for 1-2 hours, adding a splash of broth to keep them moist and prevent drying out.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory slow cooker French onion meatballs bring classic French comfort to your dinner table. Caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and perfectly seasoned meatballs create a comforting meal that will satisfy hearty appetites.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

Meatball Binders and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Sauce and Aromatics:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• ½ teaspoon thyme (optional)
• ¼ cup (60 grams) shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese (for topping, optional)

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Instructions

1. Blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, whisked egg, aromatic garlic and onion powders, seasonings, and finely chopped parsley in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients are harmoniously integrated.
2. Craft uniform, compact spherical morsels approximately one inch in diameter, carefully positioning each on a designated flat surface.
3. Preheat a slow cooker and lightly coat its interior with culinary spray to prevent potential adherence.
4. Layer caramelized onions across the cooker’s base, creating a fragrant foundation for the meatballs.
5. Gently nestle prepared meatballs atop the onion stratum, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overcrowding.
6. Drizzle French onion soup methodically over the meatballs, guaranteeing each piece receives adequate moisture and flavor infusion.
7. Cover the slow cooker and allow contents to simmer on low temperature for approximately 4-5 hours, permitting flavors to meld and meatballs to achieve optimal tenderness.
8. Once cooking duration concludes, delicately transfer meatballs to a serving platter, maintaining their structural integrity.
9. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh parsley and melted Gruyère cheese for enhanced gustatory appeal.

Notes

• Ensure meat doesn’t become tough by mixing ingredients gently without overworking the ground beef, which can make meatballs dense and chewy.
• Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 fat content for optimal juiciness and flavor, preventing dry meatballs during slow cooking.
• Create uniform-sized meatballs using a small cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to guarantee consistent cooking and professional presentation.
• Line slow cooker with parchment paper or use non-stick spray to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup after cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg