Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
Save time with Crockpot French Onion Meatballs a simple recipe delivering rich flavor and tender meatballs without all the fuss
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 20-24 meatballs
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for great flavor and moisture)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion (about half a medium onion, chop small for blending)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best for aroma and sharpness)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (helps keep meatballs tender but structured)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (adds moisture; don’t swap for water)
- 1 large egg (acts as the binder)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami depth)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (these cook down to make the French onion sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for slow caramelizing onions)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (helps prevent sticking during sauté)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps with caramelization)
- 2 cups beef broth (choose low sodium if possible)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (brightens and balances the sauce)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (for topping; melts beautifully and has a nutty flavor)
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 30-40 minutes until onions are deep golden brown and soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Stir in balsamic vinegar and beef broth, scraping the pan to lift browned bits. Simmer gently for 5 minutes. Transfer mixture into the crockpot.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly. Form into 1 to 1.5 inch uniform meatballs, yielding approximately 20-24 meatballs.
- Place meatballs carefully over the French onion mixture in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Avoid frequent stirring to prevent meatballs from falling apart.
- About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs. Cover the crockpot to let the cheese melt. Optionally, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes for browned cheese. Serve hot with plenty of savory onion sauce.
Notes
Crockpot French Onion Meatballs combine rich caramelized onions with juicy meatballs slow-cooked in savory French onion sauce and topped with melty Gruyère cheese. This comfort food recipe is easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.