Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes evoke the same sense of warmth and satisfaction as French onion soup. Now, imagine that cozy flavor transformed into tender meatballs, simmered slowly in a savory broth until they practically melt in your mouth. In this article, we’ll dive into the delightful world of Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs. With a blend of herbs, caramelized onions, and succulent beef, this dish promises to elevate your comfort food game to new heights.

Ingredients Gather the following ingredients to begin your culinary journey:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the French Onion Sauce:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Transfer the caramelized onions to the slow cooker.
6. Place the meatballs on top of the onions in the slow cooker.
7. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the meatballs and onions in the slow cooker.

Cooking

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
2. Once the meatballs are cooked, you can optionally sprinkle shredded Gruyere cheese over the top of the meatballs and allow it to melt for an additional 5-10 minutes.
3. Serve the Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions

1. These meatballs are delicious served over cooked egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
2. You can also serve them as a filling for crusty French bread rolls for a twist on the classic French dip sandwich.
3. Pair them with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food bliss. With tender meatballs bathed in a rich and flavorful French onion sauce, this dish is sure to warm your soul on even the chilliest of days. Plus, the convenience of the slow cooker makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and get ready to savor the irresistible flavors of this comforting classic. Bon appétit!