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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 167 reviews
  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Salt

Description

These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender frozen meatballs slow-cooked with caramelized sweet onions, savory garlic, and a rich French onion soup-based sauce. The melted Gruyere cheese on top adds a deliciously creamy, cheesy finish. Perfect as an appetizer or served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 36 ounces frozen meatballs

Vegetables

  • 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced into half moons
  • 3–5 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Seasonings

  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Toppings & Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • Fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crockpot: Place the frozen meatballs evenly in the bottom of the crockpot to form a base layer.
  2. Add onions and garlic: Top the meatballs with the thinly sliced sweet onions and minced garlic, evenly distributing them across the surface.
  3. Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the beef broth, condensed French onion soup, balsamic vinegar, minced thyme, black pepper, and cornstarch until well combined and smooth.
  4. Combine ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs, onions, and garlic in the crockpot.
  5. Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 3 to 5 hours, stirring halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning on the bottom.
  6. Add cheese: Shortly before serving, sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese over the top of the meatballs. Cover and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme if desired. Serve warm, either as a savory appetizer or over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Stir halfway through cooking to prevent the sauce from burning on the bottom and to ensure even heating of meatballs.
  • Adjust the amount of black pepper to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
  • Use low sodium beef broth to control salt content and balance the salty flavors of the condensed soup.
  • Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss or mozzarella if desired.
  • For a thicker sauce, increase cornstarch slightly; for a thinner sauce, reduce cornstarch or add more broth.
  • Fresh thyme is preferred for best flavor, but dried thyme can be used in smaller amounts.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 to 5 hours
  • Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, french onion meatballs, slow cooker recipes, melted cheese meatballs, easy party appetizers

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Find it online: https://tastewithrafael.com/crock-pot-french-onion-meatballs-recipe/