Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender meatballs with rich, savory onion gravy, making for a comforting and easy meal. Using your slow cooker, you can enjoy deep flavors without spending much time in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow onions (sliced)
• 26 ounces frozen meatballs
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 ounce package brown gravy mix
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon white apple vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1½ cups gruyere cheese (grated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot.
2. Step 2: Layer the frozen meatballs on top of the onions.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, mix together the beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white apple vinegar until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crock pot.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours.
6. Step 6: To thicken the sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir this into the meatballs. Top with the grated gruyere cheese and cook for an additional ten minutes until the cheese melts.
7. Step 7: Serve the meatballs and sauce over rice or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra caramelized onions, sauté the sliced onions in a pan before adding them to the crock pot.
• Substitute gruyere cheese with mozzarella or Swiss cheese if preferred.
• Add a splash of red wine to the beef broth mixture for a richer flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can double the cornstarch amount or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. To maintain the sauce’s texture, avoid overheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh meatballs usually require less time to cook through—about 2 to 3 hours on low.

What can I serve this dish with?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or even egg noodles. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender meatballs with caramelized onions and a rich brown gravy sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. Finished with melted Gruyere cheese, it’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for serving over rice or mashed potatoes.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Meatballs and Onions

• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
• 26 ounces frozen meatballs

Sauce

• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 ounce package brown gravy mix
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon white apple vinegar

Thickener and Topping

• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1½ cups Gruyere cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Prepare Onions: Place the sliced yellow onions at the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot to create a flavorful base for the meatballs.
2. Add Meatballs: Layer the frozen meatballs evenly over the bed of onions in the crock pot.
3. Mix Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the low-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white apple vinegar. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and onions inside the crock pot.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on high heat for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through.
6. Thicken Gravy: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the meatballs and onions to thicken the sauce.
7. Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for an additional 10 minutes on high or low until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Spoon the French onion meatballs and rich gravy over cooked rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting and delicious meal.

Notes

• You can substitute frozen meatballs with homemade or fresh meatballs if preferred.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your crock pot model and size for best results.
• Gruyere cheese provides a nutty and creamy flavor, but Swiss cheese can be used as an alternative.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful gravy if desired.
• To make the recipe gluten-free, ensure the brown gravy mix and meatballs are certified gluten-free.

Keywords: Crock Pot, French Onion Meatballs, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food, Gruyere Cheese, Easy Dinner, Beef Meatballs