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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

4.5 from 138 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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