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Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
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Crockpot French Onion Meatballs combine tender, juicy meatballs with the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup, slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. This comforting one-pot dish is easy to prepare, full of layered savory notes, and perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb 80/20 ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 packet French onion soup mix (about 1 tablespoon)

Onion and Sauce Ingredients

  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups beef broth
  • Remaining 1/2 packet French onion soup mix (about 1 tablespoon)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Slowly cook the sliced yellow onions for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and sweetly fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, minced garlic, and half of the French onion soup mix. Stir gently until just combined without overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Form bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter using your hands or a scoop. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  4. Brown the Meatballs (Optional): In a hot skillet, sear the meatballs for a couple of minutes on all sides until browned. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
  5. Combine and Cook in Crockpot: Transfer meatballs to the crockpot. Add the caramelized onions, remaining French onion soup mix, and beef broth. Stir gently to mix. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until meatballs are cooked through and flavors meld.

Notes

  • Use fresh yellow onions for best caramelization and sweetness.
  • Browning meatballs before slow cooking enhances flavor and texture.
  • Stir gently when combining ingredients or after adding to the crockpot to keep meatballs intact.
  • Cook on low heat to deepen flavors and thicken the sauce naturally.
  • Adjust broth quantity to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot, French Onion, Meatballs, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/crockpot-french-onion-meatballs/