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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

5.2 from 9 reviews

This comforting Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender meatballs with caramelized onions, savory gravy, and melted Gruyere cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an easy, flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy days and pairs wonderfully with rice or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs & Onions

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

Gravy & 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

Thickening & Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the onions and meatballs: Place the sliced onions evenly in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Then, arrange the frozen meatballs evenly over the onions to create layers.
  2. Make the gravy mixture: In a medium bowl, add the beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and the gravy mix is fully dissolved.
  3. Cook in slow cooker: Pour the prepared gravy mixture over the meatballs and onions in the crock pot. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours, or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and onions are tender.
  4. Thicken the gravy and add cheese: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the cooked meatballs and gently stir to combine. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly on top, then cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Carefully serve the French Onion Meatballs hot, ideally over a bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Enjoy this rich and flavorful dish!

Notes

  • You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the gravy mixture.
  • If you prefer fresh meatballs, cook them prior to adding to the crock pot to ensure they are fully cooked.
  • Gruyere cheese can be replaced with Swiss or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: crock pot, french onion, meatballs, slow cooker dinner, comfort food, easy recipe, beef meatballs, cheesy meatballs