Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and savory dish perfect for busy days. Tender meatballs simmer in a rich onion gravy topped with melted gruyere cheese, creating an irresistible meal without much effort.
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions (sliced)
- 26 ounces frozen meatballs
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 ounce package brown gravy mix
- 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1½ cups gruyere cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Then, pour the frozen meatballs over the top.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine beef broth, brown gravy mix, garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar. Whisk until well mixed, then pour over the meatballs.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water. Pour this mixture over the meatballs and stir to combine.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the grated gruyere cheese on top and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Step 6: Serve the meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, caramelize the onions in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot.
- Swap gruyere for mozzarella or cheddar if preferred or for a milder flavor.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the broth mixture for richer umami notes.
- Use fresh meatballs if frozen are not available; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze meatballs without cheese for up to 2 months and add cheese when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, homemade meatballs work great. Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot, or increase the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs are delicious over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad pairs well to balance the richness.
PrintCrock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender meatballs simmered with caramelized onions, rich beef broth, and aromatic herbs, finished with melted Gruyere cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner served over rice or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (high) to 6 hours (low) plus 10 minutes for cheese melt
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Meatballs and Base
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
- 26 ounces frozen meatballs
Broth and Seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 ounce package brown gravy mix
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
Topping
- 1½ cups Gruyere cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare Onions and Meatballs: Place the sliced onions evenly at the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Pour the frozen meatballs over the onions to create the base layer.
- Mix Broth and Seasonings: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crock pot.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook the mixture on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the onions to soften and caramelize.
- Thicken Sauce and Add Cheese: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry over the meatballs and stir gently to combine. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Serve the French Onion Meatballs hot over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using low-sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- For best melting results, use freshly grated Gruyere cheese rather than pre-shredded.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your crock pot model—adjust accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the brown gravy mix is gluten-free or substitute with a gluten-free alternative.
Keywords: Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, French onion recipe, comfort food, Gruyere cheese meatballs
