why make this recipe
Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a wonderful comfort food that brings together delicious flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender meatballs simmered in rich beef broth with the sweet taste of caramelized onions creates a warm and hearty dish. This recipe is perfect for busy days, as you can set it and forget it, allowing the crockpot to do all the work. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, these meatballs are sure to impress!
how to make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Shape into meatballs.
- Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer the meatballs on top of the onions.
- In a separate bowl, mix together beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then pour over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
how to serve Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
These meatballs are best served hot. You can enjoy them on their own or over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes. For added flavor, top them with melted cheese and some extra chopped parsley. They make a fantastic meal served with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
how to store Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
If you have leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure they are in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
tips to make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
- Use fresh parsley for a brighter flavor.
- Make sure to shape the meatballs evenly for consistent cooking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- If you like a bit of spice, add some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
variation
For a different twist, you can add some sautéed mushrooms to the onion layer in the crockpot. This adds an earthy flavor that pairs well with the meatballs.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the crockpot without thawing. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
3. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?
Yes, you can cook it on the stove. Brown the meatballs in a skillet, add the onion and broth, and simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until cooked through.
Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Tender meatballs simmered in rich beef broth with sweet caramelized onions, perfect for busy days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 260 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free option available
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Shape into meatballs.
- Place the sliced onions in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer the meatballs on top of the onions.
- In a separate bowl, mix together beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, then pour over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 360-480 minutes (6-8 hours) or on high for 180-240 minutes (3-4 hours).
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Notes
Best served over rice or mashed potatoes, topped with melted cheese and extra parsley. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: crockpot, meatballs, French onion, comfort food, easy recipe, beef