Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the rich, comforting aroma of Crockpot French Onion Meatballs simmering away in your kitchen. This recipe combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with tender meatballs for a dish that feels both hearty and indulgent. Perfect for busy weeknights, these meatballs are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly customizable, allowing you to make this dish your own.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) / 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 350
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 800mg
Why Make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe
These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are not just a delightful experience for your taste buds; they’re also a great way to keep your meal prep simple and stress-free. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in meatballs that are juicy, tender, and infused with that classic onion soup flavor. You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary preferences or use what you have on hand.
How to Make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 packet French onion soup mix
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well mixed. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they hold together well. Place the formed meatballs carefully into the crockpot, making sure they are evenly distributed but not overcrowded. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and the French onion soup mix until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot. Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and allow it to melt completely before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe
For a delightful dining experience, serve your Crockpot French Onion Meatballs over a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Pair them with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a nice contrast. For a heartier option, consider garlic bread or a fresh baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe
If you have leftovers (though hard to believe), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. For long-term storage, you can freeze the meatballs in their sauce for up to three months. Just be sure to let them cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Expert Tips for Cooking Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the meat mixture.
- Use leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Make it a little spicier by incorporating red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Always check the meatballs towards the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking them.
- For a richer flavor, substitute beef broth with homemade stock.
Delicious Variations of Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe
Try a spicy twist with the addition of jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. For a herbed variation, mix in fresh chopped parsley, basil, or oregano. You could also create a citrus-infused version by adding lemon zest or orange rind to brighten the flavors. Lastly, consider a vegetarian alternative using lentils or chickpeas to create a wholesome meatless meatball.
Conclusion
Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe is a delicious blend of flavor and ease, perfect for busy days when you want something comforting and satisfying. With its rich taste and versatile nature, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite in no time. So why not give it a try and experience this comforting dish for yourself?
Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they hold together well.
- Place the formed meatballs carefully into the crockpot, making sure they are evenly distributed but not overcrowded.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and the French onion soup mix until fully combined.
- Pour this mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and allow it to melt completely before serving.
