Description
This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe features fully cooked meatballs simmered in a rich, caramelized onion and French onion soup sauce. The slow cooking melds the flavors perfectly, while melted Gruyère cheese adds a creamy finish. Perfect as an appetizer or a comforting main course served over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Onion Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
For the Meatballs
- 2 lbs frozen fully-cooked meatballs
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions along with sugar, salt, and black pepper. Sauté, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Sauces: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then add Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and condensed French onion soup, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the onion mixture into a slow cooker. Add the frozen fully-cooked meatballs and stir gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, allowing the meatballs to heat through and flavors to meld.
- Optional Thickening: If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Melt Cheese: About 5–10 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese over the meatballs. Cover the slow cooker to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes, noodles, or crusty bread for a hearty meal.
Notes
- These meatballs make a fantastic party appetizer.
- Serve them over mashed potatoes, pasta, or with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
- You can use homemade meatballs instead of frozen for a fresher taste.
