Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs are a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of French onion soup and hearty meatballs. This recipe is perfect for busy days, as it allows you to prep in a short time and let the slow cooker do all the work. The result is tender meatballs swimming in a savory broth, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings.

how to make Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups beef broth

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs.
4. Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Add the browned meatballs on top of the onions.
6. Pour beef broth over the meatballs.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
8. Serve warm.

how to serve Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

These meatballs are delicious when served over a bed of mashed potatoes, rice, or even pasta. You can also enjoy them on their own or with some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Top them with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flair.

how to store Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

• Make sure to brown the meatballs well for extra flavor before adding them to the slow cooker.
• For a richer taste, you can use homemade beef broth instead of store-bought.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of onions based on your preference; caramelized onions add additional sweetness.

variation

You can easily switch up the flavor by adding some minced garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the meatball mixture. For a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the beef broth.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different flavor.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?
Browning the meatballs adds extra flavor and helps seal in the juices, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking them in the slow cooker.