These Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs bring all the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup into a comforting, savory meatball dish. Simmered low and slow in a flavorful broth, these tender beef meatballs are perfect as an appetizer, served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or even crusty bread. Best of all, the crock pot does most of the work for you!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef – Use lean beef for a perfect texture.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds richness and umami.
- 1 egg – Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle, savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the French onion flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – To balance and enhance the flavors.
For the French Onion Sauce:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced – The star ingredient, creating a deep, caramelized flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter – For sautéing the onions to golden perfection.
- 2 cups beef broth – Forms the base of the sauce and enhances the hearty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and a touch of tang.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional) – For an herby, aromatic note.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese – To top the dish for a melty, cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined (avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender).
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep golden brown.
- If onions start to stick, add a splash of water or broth to deglaze the pan.
3. Assemble in the Crock Pot:
- Place the caramelized onions at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Arrange the meatballs on top of the onions.
- Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle with thyme if using.
4. Slow Cook the Meatballs:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are cooked through.
5. Add the Cheese and Serve:
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the meatballs. Cover and let the cheese melt.
- Serve warm with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Serving Suggestions
✔ Serve over buttered noodles or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
✔ Enjoy with crusty baguette slices to soak up the flavorful sauce.
✔ Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks at parties.
Tips for Success
✔ Use lean ground beef – This prevents greasy meatballs while keeping them juicy.
✔ Caramelize the onions well – This deepens the flavor of the sauce.
✔ Don’t overmix the meatballs – This keeps them tender and soft.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Crock Pot Convenience – Hands-off, slow-cooked goodness.
✔ Rich, Savory Flavor – Inspired by classic French onion soup.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.
Enjoy these Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs—a cozy, comforting dish packed with rich flavors!