Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs 🧅🧀
Tender, juicy meatballs slow-cooked in a rich, savory French onion sauce and topped with melty cheese! This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a party appetizer. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the French Onion Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
For Topping:
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined. Shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
Sauté the Onions:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sugar, then cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden and caramelized (about 15-20 minutes).
Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer caramelized onions to the slow cooker. Stir in thyme, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Add the meatballs, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked and tender. Stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce.
Add Cheese & Serve:
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs, cover for a few minutes until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
🍽️ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 4-5 hours | Total Time: 4.5-5.5 hours
🧅 Rich, cheesy, and packed with classic French onion flavor—an effortless slow cooker favorite! 🧀🍽️