Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender meatballs with caramelized onions and a savory brown gravy, all slow-cooked to perfection. Finished with melted Gruyere cheese, it’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for serving over rice or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours on high or 6 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Onions
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
- 26 ounces frozen meatballs
Gravy and Seasoning
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 ounce package brown gravy mix
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Thickening and Topping
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1½ cups Gruyere cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Place the sliced yellow onions evenly at the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish. Then, spread the frozen meatballs over the sliced onions in a single layer.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the low-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Pour this sauce evenly over the meatballs and onions in the crock pot.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on high heat for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the onions to soften perfectly.
- Thicken the Gravy: In a small bowl, whisk together the corn starch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the crock pot, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly on top. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the gravy thickens.
- Serve: Spoon the French onion meatballs with the rich gravy over rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting dish packed with savory flavors.
Notes
- For an extra touch of caramelized flavor, you can sauté the onions before adding them to the crock pot, but this step is optional.
- If you prefer, use fresh homemade meatballs instead of frozen for a more personalized taste.
- This dish can be prepared in advance: slow cook as directed, then add the cornstarch slurry and cheese right before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy if you prefer not to use rice or mashed potatoes.
Keywords: Crock Pot, French Onion, Meatballs, Slow Cooker, Gruyere Cheese, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner
