Description
These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a hearty and comforting dish, combining tender meatballs with rich onion gravy and melted Gruyere cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, they make an easy and flavorful meal served best over rice or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs and Onion Base
- 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
- 26 ounces frozen meatballs
Sauce
- 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
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
Topping
- 1½ cups Gruyere cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the onions and meatballs: Place the sliced yellow onions into the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Then, evenly pour the frozen meatballs over the onions to create the base layer.
- Mix and add sauce ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the low-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar. Whisk together until well blended, then pour this mixture evenly over the meatballs and onions in the crock pot.
- Slow cook the meatballs: Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat thoroughly.
- Thicken the sauce and add cheese: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this over the meatballs in the crock pot and stir gently to combine for thickening. Then, sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly on top. Cover and continue cooking for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve the French Onion Meatballs hot over cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce.
- If you prefer fresh meatballs, thaw them before adding to the crock pot to reduce cooking time.
- Gruyere cheese can be swapped with Swiss cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Crock Pot, French Onion, Meatballs, Slow Cooker, Gruyere, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner
