Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs combine melted cheese over juicy, flavorful meatballs and there’s hardly any prep required! Perfect for game day or a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic French onion soup. With minimal effort, you can create a comforting dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into the crock pot and let it work its magic.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, garlic, and onions creates a savory taste that’s hard to resist.
• Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melted gruyere cheese, each bite is creamy and indulgent.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve these meatballs over rice or noodles for a complete meal or enjoy them as an appetizer.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for parties, game days, or casual dinners with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 6-quart crock pot
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 6-quart crock pot: This size is perfect for cooking large batches of meatballs, ensuring even heat distribution.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps you combine ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the pot.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing sauces and gravies smoothly without lumps.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 2 medium yellow onions (sliced)
• 26 ounces frozen meatballs

For the Sauce

• 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 apple vinegar

For Thickening

• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons corn starch

For Topping

• 1½ cups gruyere cheese (grated)

How to Make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Onions and Meatballs

Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Then, pour frozen meatballs over the top.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add beef broth, gravy mix, garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white apple vinegar. Whisk until well combined. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the crock pot.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 2½-3½ hours or low for 5-6 hours until meatballs are heated through.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water together until smooth. Pour over the meatballs in the crock pot and stir gently to combine. Top with grated gruyere cheese.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Cook for an additional ten minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Serve over rice or mashed potatoes, and enjoy your delicious Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs!

How to Serve Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Over Rice

• Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal. The rice absorbs the delicious broth, enhancing each bite.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Pair the meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting dish. The smooth potatoes complement the savory flavors beautifully.

As Sliders

• Create sliders by placing meatballs on small buns. Top with melted cheese and caramelized onions for a tasty appetizer or snack.

In Pasta

• Toss the meatballs with your favorite pasta. Add a splash of broth for moisture and enjoy this Italian-inspired dish.

On a Charcuterie Board

• Include meatballs on a charcuterie board along with cheeses and crackers. They make for an excellent finger food option at gatherings.

How to Perfect Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

To ensure your Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, consider these tips.

• Use frozen meatballs: This saves prep time and ensures even cooking without worrying about raw meat handling.

• Adjust seasoning: Taste the broth before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs to match your preference.

• Add fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme before serving for an aromatic touch that brightens the dish.

• Let it rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs enhances the flavors and provides balance. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that complements the meatballs.

2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies lightly seasoned and roasted brings freshness to your meal.

3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the meatballs.

4. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits to your plate.

5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced vegetables provides a protein-packed, healthy side option.

6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a fun addition that pairs well with the savory meatball dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs turn out perfectly. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the onions: Onions add essential flavor to the dish. Always include them at the bottom of the crock pot for the best results.
• Using high-sodium broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control saltiness in your meal. This will help maintain a balanced flavor profile.
• Ignoring cook times: Overcooking or undercooking can affect texture. Follow the recommended cooking times closely, adjusting based on your crock pot’s performance.
• Not thickening properly: Adding cornstarch without mixing it with water first can lead to lumps. Always whisk it together before pouring into the meatball mixture.
• Forgetting about cheese: Gruyere cheese enhances the dish’s flavor and texture. Be sure to add it near the end of cooking for that perfect melt.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

• Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer portions into a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about our Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe:

Can I use other types of meat?

You can easily substitute turkey or beef meatballs if you prefer. Both options work wonderfully with this recipe.

What can I serve with Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs?

These meatballs pair well with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. Feel free to get creative with your sides!

How do I customize my Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs?

Add different herbs like rosemary or parsley for extra flavor. You could also mix in sautéed mushrooms for added depth.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free beef broth and a suitable gluten-free gravy mix along with cornstarch as a thickener.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are not just easy to prepare; they are incredibly versatile too! Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as a main dish over rice or noodles, they are sure to impress. Customize them with your favorite herbs or side dishes for a personal touch that suits your taste.