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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Description

Delicious Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs combine tender meatballs simmered in a rich, caramelized onion and French onion soup sauce, topped with melted Gruyère cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal or appetizer.


Ingredients

Meatballs and Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Topping and Garnish

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish


Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are caramelized and golden brown, about 20–25 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute to release its flavor.
  3. Transfer to Crock Pot: Transfer the caramelized onions and garlic to the crock pot ensuring even distribution.
  4. Add Meatballs and Liquids: Add the frozen meatballs, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the meatballs are heated through and flavorful.
  6. Add Cheese: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the top, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for a main dish.

Notes

  • Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or as a main dish over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
  • You can use homemade meatballs; brown them before adding to the crock pot for best flavor.
  • Adjust cooking times depending on your crock pot’s heat settings and meatball size.
  • Gruyère cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese for similar flavor and texture.