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Savory Crockpot French Onion Meatballs That Melt in Your Mouth - Featured Image

Savory Crockpot French Onion Meatballs That Melt in Your Mouth

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Learn how to make delicious Crockpot French Onion Meatballs. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out that classic French onion depth without fuss. I always reach for fresh yellow onions because their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully during slow cooking. For the meatballs, a blend of ground beef and pork keeps them juicy, but feel free to swap in turkey for a leaner option. And don’t underestimate the power of good beef broth here—it’s the backbone of the sauce’s flavor.

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork (optional for extra tenderness)
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or additional broth (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (can substitute panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by thinly slicing the onions. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown and caramelize—about 25-30 minutes. This step is key to unlocking the rich onion flavor.
  2. While the onions caramelize, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and half the minced garlic in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined—over-mixing can make meatballs tough.
  3. Form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. I like to use a small ice cream scoop to keep sizes even, which helps them cook uniformly.
  4. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides in batches. They don’t need to be cooked through—just nicely seared for texture and flavor.
  5. Transfer the caramelized onions and browned meatballs into the crockpot. Add the remaining garlic, beef broth, white wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and thyme. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The meatballs will soak up the sauce and become tender, while the onions create a luscious, silky gravy.
  7. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

  • Author: Jenny
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Cooking
  • Cuisine: International

Find it online: https://artofeasycooking.com/crockpot-french-onion-meatballs/