Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
A heartwarming dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with homemade meatballs. Perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef Juicy and savory, this is the star of the dish.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Adds perfect texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds nuttiness and creaminess.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binding agent.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Ensures a punch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Introduces aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Complements thyme flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Enhances overall taste.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For richness and browning.
For the Sauce
- 2 cups French onion soup Provides signature flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds depth and umami.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Adds subtle tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme For a touch of freshness.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Ultimate melty topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully combined, then shape into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and brown for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden crust forms. Transfer the meatballs to a crock pot.
Cooking
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme until combined. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the crock pot.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs and cover to allow the cheese to melt.
Serving
- Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or on their own with extra fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
For juicier meatballs, consider adding a splash of milk, or using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey. You can also sauté some onions until caramelized to enhance the flavor of the French onion soup. Browning the meatballs adds extra flavor, but can be skipped for a quicker recipe.