Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs
A hearty, savory twist on the classic meatball recipe these slow-cooked beef meatballs are simmered in a rich French onion sauce and topped with melty Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or weeknight comfort meals!
Ingredients:
For the Juicy Beef Meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Savory French Onion Gravy:
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried thyme (optional)
1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions:
1. Form the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Combine gently until evenly mixed. Roll into 1-inch meatballs (makes 16–20) and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 15–20 minutes until golden and caramelized. Deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits.
3. Assemble in the Crock Pot
Place the caramelized onions into the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer meatballs on top, then pour in remaining beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir gently to coat.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
5. Add Cheese & Serve
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover again, and let it melt for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and irresistible.
Perfect for:
Family dinners, game day appetizers, or holiday gatherings!
FrenchOnionMeatballs, CrockPotComfortFood, SlowCookerRecipe, BeefMeatballs, CheesyMeatballs, EasyDinnerRecipe, ComfortFoodGoals, OnionLovers, WeeknightDinnerIdeas, GruyereCheese, HeartyMeals, OnePotDinner, SimpleSlowCookerMeals