Time Required
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 4 hours
– Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Introduction
Prepare yourself for a culinary journey to flavorful town with “Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs”. It’s a hearty meal that combines the homely comfort of meatballs with the rich savouriness of classic French onion soup. Perfect for a chilly night in or a friendly gathering, this dish screams comfort and yumminess.
Why Make This Recipe
Everyone loves a good meatball dish and these French Onion Meatballs are more than just good – they are splendid. They are cooked in a crock pot making them extremely tender and absorbing all the flavours from the classic French onion soup base. If you’re looking for a comfort dish that’s easy to make and satisfying, then this recipe is the one for you.
How to Make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients
– Ground Beef: 1 lb
– Bread Crumbs: 1/2 cup
– Parmesan Cheese (grated): 1/4 cup
– Eggs: 1
– Garlic (minced): 2 cloves
– Thyme (dried): 1 tsp
– Salt and Pepper: To taste
– Onions (thinly sliced): 2
– Beef Broth: 2 cups
– Worcestershire Sauce: 2 tbsp
– Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
– Gruyère Cheese (shredded) : 2 cups
– Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional): Chopped
Directions
1. Prepare Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Shape this mixture into 1.5 inch meatballs.
2. Sear Meatballs: Using a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, this should take about 5 minutes. Transfer to crock pot.
3. Cook Onions: In the same skillet, cook the sliced onions until they turn golden brown and caramelized (approx. 10 minutes). Transfer them to the crock pot.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients: To the crock pot add beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir gently to combine everything.
5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until meatballs are fully cooked and flavors have combined.
6. Add Cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the meatballs and cover until the cheese has melted.
7. Serve this delectable dish hot. For added touch, garnish the dish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, pasta or your favorite rice dish.
How to Serve Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
These mouthwatering meatballs are best served hot over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, steaming pasta, or your favorite rice dish. Add some fresh bread or a crunchy salad for a wholesome meal.
How to Store Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Store these delicious meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
1. Using lean ground beef will result in lighter and healthier meatballs.
2. It’s important to sear the meatballs before putting them in the crock pot. This locks in the flavors and gives the meatballs a nice texture.
3. Don’t overlook the importance of caramelizing the onions. The browned, sweet onions add a depth of flavor to the meatballs.
Variation
You can experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or provolone for a different taste. Adding bell peppers or mushrooms can also bring an additional layer of flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey instead of beef for this recipe?
– Yes, turkey can be a healthier alternative to beef for this recipe.
2. Can I cook this dish on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?
– Yes, but the flavor of the meatballs is enhanced through slow cooking in a crock pot.
3. What kind of bread crumbs should I use?
– Both fresh and dry breadcrumbs work for this recipe. However, using fresh breadcrumbs gives a lighter texture to the meatballs.