Description
This Ultimate Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender, fully-cooked meatballs with richly caramelized onions and savory French onion soup, all slow-cooked to perfection. Topped with melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 pound frozen fully-cooked meatballs
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Optional Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and melt the butter. Stir in the thinly sliced onions and brown sugar, cooking and stirring occasionally for 15–20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Move the caramelized onions into the crock pot to form the flavorful base for the dish.
- Add Meatballs and Liquids: Add the frozen fully-cooked meatballs to the crock pot along with the condensed French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until the meatballs are heated through and have absorbed the rich flavors of the onions and broth.
- Melt the Cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the meatballs. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm as is or over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or toasted baguette slices for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or toasted baguette slices for a hearty, comforting meal.
- For an extra rich flavor, add a splash of heavy cream or a Parmesan rind during the slow cooking stage.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free meatballs and a gluten-free French onion soup.
