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Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Meriem Tablit
These slow cooker French onion meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich, caramelized onion gravy, then topped with melted Gruyère cheese. It's French onion soup meets classic meatball comfort, slow cooked to perfection and ideal for family dinners, cozy nights in, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Rest Time (Cooling) 5 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 about 18–20 meatballs
Calories 430 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6-quart)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Baking dish (oven-safe)
  • Cheese grater
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for browning

For the Onion Gravy:

  • 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

  • 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Form into 1.5-inch balls.
  • Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brown meatballs on all sides, 2-3 minutes total. Don’t fully cook; just sear.
  • Caramelize onions: In a separate skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring often, for 15-20 minutes until golden and soft. Deglaze with 1/4 cup broth.
  • Assemble in slow cooker: Layer caramelized onions in the bottom. Add meatballs on top. Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and deglazing liquid. Cover.
  • Cook: Cook on LOW for 5 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until meatballs are tender and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
  • Add cheese & broil: Transfer meatballs and some gravy to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
  • Serve: Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Spoon over mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted bread. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Info (optional estimate per serving)
  • Calories: 430
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
Keyword baked french onion meatballs, crockpot french onion meatballs, french onion meatballs, slow cooker french onion meatballs, slow cooker recipes
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