Description
Savory slow cooker French onion meatballs blend classic French comfort with hearty American charm. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and tender beef create a mouthwatering dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Craft a robust mixture by combining ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Gently form uniform meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully sear meatballs until golden brown on all surfaces, creating a delectable caramelized exterior that locks in flavor.
- Using the same skillet, transform sliced onions into rich, golden caramelized delights. Stir frequently to prevent burning and develop deep, sweet undertones, approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Create a savory liquid foundation by whisking beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this aromatic mixture directly over meatballs and caramelized onions nestled in the slow cooker.
- Program slow cooker to low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. This extended cooking process allows flavors to meld and meatballs to become exceptionally tender.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves as a fragrant, vibrant garnish to elevate the dish’s visual and gustatory appeal.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by toasting breadcrumbs before mixing into the meatball mixture for extra crunch and depth.
- Use ground beef with 80/20 fat content to ensure juicy, tender meatballs that won’t dry out during slow cooking.
- Customize the recipe by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for different dietary preferences.
- Skip browning meatballs if short on time, but searing helps lock in flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 426 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 128 mg