Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: Effortless Elegance in a Bowl! 🧅🥩🥣
Imagine the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup enveloping tender, juicy meatballs – all achieved with minimal effort thanks to your trusty crockpot! These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a culinary dream come true for busy weeknights or easy entertaining. The condensed soup and soup mix create a deeply flavorful broth that simmers beautifully with the meatballs, and the optional addition of mushrooms adds an earthy depth. Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is the epitome of comfort food with a touch of sophisticated flair.
Ingredients:
1 bag frozen meatballs (32 oz) (convenient and ready to soak up all that delicious flavor!)
1 can (10.75 oz) condensed French onion soup (the base of our rich and savory sauce)
1 packet (about 1 oz) French onion soup mix (for an extra layer of intense oniony goodness)
1 cup beef broth (adding moisture and deepening the savory notes)
Optional: 8 oz sliced mushrooms (for an earthy and hearty addition)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce, if desired)
¼ cup cold water (to create a smooth cornstarch slurry)
Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic!
Step 1: Combine the Flavor Powerhouse
Add the entire bag of frozen meatballs to your crockpot. No need to thaw them – the slow cooking process will take care of that.
Pour in the can of condensed French onion soup, spreading it evenly over the meatballs.
Sprinkle the entire packet of French onion soup mix over the meatballs and soup. This adds a concentrated burst of that classic French onion flavor.
Pour in the beef broth. It will help to create a luscious sauce as everything simmers.
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, now is the time to add them! Toss the sliced mushrooms into the crockpot with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your crockpot with the lid.
Cook on high heat for 2-3 hours, or on low heat for 5-6 hours. The meatballs will become tender and heated through, and the sauce will meld into a rich and flavorful coating.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)
If you prefer a thicker sauce to coat the meatballs and generously spoon over your mashed potatoes, prepare a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir gently to combine it with the sauce.
Replace the lid and let the mixture cook for another 15 minutes on high heat. The sauce will thicken beautifully during this time.
Step 4: Serve Over a Bed of Comfort
Once the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is thickened to your liking (if you chose to thicken it), they are ready to serve!
The classic pairing for these flavorful meatballs is creamy mashed potatoes. Spoon a generous portion of mashed potatoes into bowls and top with the French onion meatballs and plenty of that delicious sauce.
Step 5: Savor the French Onion Goodness!
Enjoy your delicious and easy Crockpot French Onion Meatballs! The savory, slightly sweet onion flavor combined with the tender meatballs is a truly satisfying meal.
Tips for Crockpot French Onion Meatball Success:
No Need to Brown: The crockpot does all the work here – no pre-browning of the meatballs is necessary.
Customize with Cheese: For an extra layer of indulgence, sprinkle shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese over the meatballs during the last 15 minutes of cooking (or after serving) and let it melt.
Add Other Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like sliced onions or bell peppers added at the beginning of the cooking process.
Herbs for Extra Flavor: A sprig of fresh thyme or a bay leaf added to the crockpot during cooking can enhance the flavor profile. Remember to remove them before serving.
Make Ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead and kept warm in the crockpot on the “warm” setting for a few hours.
Serving Suggestions Beyond Mashed Potatoes:
While mashed potatoes are the classic choice, these French onion meatballs are also delicious served with:
Egg Noodles: The sauce coats egg noodles beautifully.
Rice: White or brown rice provides a simple base.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.
Polenta: Creamy polenta offers a comforting alternative.
These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a fantastic way to create a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The rich French onion flavor infused into the tender meatballs is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let the deliciousness simmer! 🧅🥩🥣🥔