Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a delightful dish that combines melted cheese with juicy meatballs, making them perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is both easy and delicious. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these meatballs will surely impress your guests and family alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a mouthwatering meal cooking away in your crock pot.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of beef broth, onions, and gruyere cheese creates a rich and savory sauce that enhances the meatballs perfectly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these meatballs over rice, noodles, or even as a standalone appetizer at parties.
- Time-Saving Convenience: Set it and forget it! The crock pot does all the hard work while you focus on enjoying your time with loved ones.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults thanks to its irresistible flavors.
Tools and Preparation
To make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Gathering these items before you start can help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 6-quart crock pot
- Medium mixing bowl
- Small bowl for cornstarch mixture
- Whisk
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- 6-quart crock pot: This spacious slow cooker ensures even cooking for your meatballs while allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients without making a mess. It keeps everything organized during preparation.
- Whisk: An essential tool for ensuring your gravy mix and broth are well combined, leading to a smoother sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 medium yellow onions (sliced)
- 26 ounces frozen meatballs
- 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 apple vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1½ cups gruyere cheese (grated)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Then, pour the frozen meatballs over the top.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white apple vinegar. Whisk until everything is well mixed. Pour this mixture over the meatballs evenly.
Step 3: Cook
Cover your crock pot with its lid. Cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours until the meatballs are heated through and tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the crock pot. Mix gently until combined. Top with grated gruyere cheese.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
Allow it to cook for an additional ten minutes or until the cheese has melted beautifully.
Step 6: Serve
Spoon over rice or mashed potatoes as desired. Enjoy this mouthwatering dish with friends and family!
How to Serve Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these meatballs make for a delicious treat.
As a Snack
- These meatballs are perfect as finger food at parties. Serve them on toothpicks for easy eating!
Over Rice
- Serve the meatballs over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the rich onion gravy. This makes for a hearty meal.
With Noodles
- Pair with cooked noodles to create a comforting dish. The melted cheese adds richness to every bite.
In a Sub Sandwich
- Load your favorite sub roll with meatballs and cheese for a satisfying sandwich option. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
With Mashed Potatoes
- Spoon the meatballs and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes. It’s an iconic comfort food combination that everyone loves.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for added flavor and color. Fresh herbs brighten up the dish beautifully.
How to Perfect Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
To ensure your Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs turn out delicious every time, follow these handy tips.
- Use Quality Meatballs: Opt for frozen meatballs made from high-quality ingredients for better flavor.
- Slice Onions Thinly: Thinly sliced onions caramelize better, creating a richer taste for your dish.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to add more garlic or thyme according to your taste preferences.
- Thicken Sauce Properly: Be sure to mix cornstarch thoroughly in water before adding it to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after cooking; this helps flavors meld together.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While gruyere is delicious, try different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for variation.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up excess gravy; serve warm and buttered.
- Steamed Broccoli: A light and healthy option that balances the richness of the meatballs.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing provide a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables adds color and nutrition to your meal.
- Baked Potato: Serve stuffed with sour cream or cheese; it’s filling and delicious alongside meatballs.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and brightness to counteract the savory meatballs.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs can elevate your meal while complementing the flavors of the dish.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad provides a nice textural contrast and can be made ahead of time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the onions: Onions add essential flavor to the dish. Make sure to slice them thinly and layer them at the bottom of the crock pot for the best results.
- Using regular beef broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels in your meal. This helps maintain a balanced flavor, especially when combined with gravy mix.
- Not whisking ingredients properly: If you don’t mix the broth, gravy mix, and seasonings well, you’ll end up with uneven flavor. Always whisk until smooth before pouring over meatballs.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking times matter! Ensure you follow recommended times for high or low settings to achieve juicy meatballs without drying them out.
- Neglecting to check cheese: Gruyere cheese is best served melted on top. Keep an eye on it during the last cooking phase to ensure it melts beautifully without burning.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
- Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Add meatballs and sauce to a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs?
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a savory dish made by slow-cooking frozen meatballs with onions, beef broth, and cheese until everything is tender and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe with homemade meatballs?
Yes, you can certainly use homemade meatballs in this recipe! Just ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot.
How do I customize my Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs?
Feel free to add extra seasonings or vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers. You can also swap out gruyere cheese for mozzarella or cheddar based on your preference.
How long does it take to cook on low?
Cooking on low takes about 5-6 hours. This allows flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the meatballs tender.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a delightful combination of flavors that cater to various occasions, whether as a snack or a hearty meal. Their simplicity makes them perfect for busy days, while customization options allow you to make them your own. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs, an easy and delicious dish that perfectly marries tender meatballs with a rich onion gravy and melted gruyere cheese. This recipe is perfect for game day gatherings, cozy family dinners, or casual entertaining. With minimal prep time and effortless slow cooking, you can enjoy mouthwatering meatballs served over rice, noodles, or even as a tasty appetizer. Impress your guests and family alike with this delightful crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and satisfaction to any occasion.
- Total Time: 47 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow onions (sliced)
- 26 ounces frozen meatballs
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 ounce 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 grated gruyere cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Layer frozen meatballs on top.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, garlic, black pepper, thyme, and vinegar until smooth. Pour evenly over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or low for 5 to 6 hours until meatballs are heated through.
- Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth; add to the crock pot and stir gently. Top with grated gruyere cheese.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- Serve warm over rice or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: High (2½ to 3½ hours) / Low (5 to 6 hours)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider using homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones. Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for variation.
