Description
These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Made with ground beef, seasoned with aromatic onion and garlic powders, and simmered in a rich French onion soup sauce, these meatballs develop deep, savory flavors while slow cooking in the crock pot. Topped with melted Swiss cheese, they make a hearty and satisfying meal that pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 cups French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place meatballs in the crock pot: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the crock pot.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the French onion soup with Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce until combined.
- Cook the meatballs: Pour the sauce mixture over the meatballs in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Add cheese topping (optional): During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the meatballs, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Carefully remove the meatballs with sauce and serve hot, paired with your choice of side such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the soup and sauces are gluten-free.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the meatballs at the end and simmer the sauce uncovered on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes to reduce.
- Homemade French onion soup enhances the flavor but canned soup works well for convenience.
- To ensure even cooking, avoid overcrowding the crock pot with meatballs; cook in batches if necessary.
