Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavor of onions with tender meatballs in a savory gravy. It’s an easy and comforting dish perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow onions (sliced)
• 26 ounces frozen meatballs
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 ounce package brown gravy mix
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1½ cups gruyere cheese (grated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Then, pour frozen meatballs over the top.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar until well combined. Pour this mixture over the meatballs and onions.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and onions are tender.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together corn starch and water. Pour the slurry over the meatballs and stir gently to combine. Then sprinkle the grated gruyere cheese on top.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

• For extra caramelized onions, sauté the sliced onions in a skillet with a little butter before adding them to the crock pot.
• Substitute mozzarella or Swiss cheese if gruyere is unavailable for a milder flavor.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami notes in the gravy.
• For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch and a gluten-free gravy mix.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the meatballs tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade meatballs work well. Just be sure to cook them fully before adding to the crock pot, as they may not cook through during the slow cooking time.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up the flavorful gravy.

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 87 reviews

This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender meatballs with rich caramelized onions and a savory gravy, topped with melted Gruyere cheese. Perfectly slow-cooked in a crock pot, this comforting dish is ideal for a hearty dinner served over rice or mashed potatoes.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes (high) or 6 hours 10 minutes (low)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs and Onion Base

• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
• 26 ounces frozen meatballs

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 ounce package brown gravy mix
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

Thickening and Topping

• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1½ cups Gruyere cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare Onions and Meatballs: Place the sliced onions evenly in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Arrange the frozen meatballs on top of the onions, creating a layered base for cooking.
2. Mix and Add Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Pour this sauce evenly over the meatballs in the crock pot.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook the mixture on high for 2½ to 3½ hours, or alternatively on low for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the onions to soften significantly.
4. Thicken Sauce and Add Cheese: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Pour this over the meatballs and stir gently to combine. Top everything with the grated Gruyere cheese. Cover and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
5. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and sauce thickened, serve the meatballs hot over cooked rice or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. Enjoy the blend of flavors and creamy cheesy topping.

Notes

• Using low-sodium beef broth helps control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• You can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade if preferred, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• For a slightly tangier flavor, increase the white wine vinegar by an additional teaspoon.
• The Gruyere cheese adds a nutty and rich flavor, but Swiss cheese can be a good substitute.
• Make sure the cornstarch slurry is well mixed before adding to prevent lumps in the sauce.
• This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, just ensure your crock pot is large enough.

Keywords: Crock Pot Meatballs, French Onion, Slow Cooker Recipe, Gruyere Cheese Meatballs, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner