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Exploring the delightful fusion of flavors, this slow cooker French onion meatballs recipe brings together the comforting essence of classic French onion soup and the heartiness of meatballs. This unique dish combines a delectable mixture of ground beef and pork, finely minced garlic, caramelized onions, and rich Gruyère cheese, creating a meal that transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable culinary experience. The slow cooking process guarantees that each meatball is not only tender but deeply infused with flavors that develop over hours of gentle cooking.

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

These slow-cooked meatballs are infused with the rich flavors of French onion soup, making them a comforting and hearty dish. Perfect for serving over bread or mashed potatoes.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 large onions thinly sliced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 ounces Gruyère cheese shredded
  • Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish optional

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
  • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, yielding approximately 20 meatballs.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
  • In the same skillet, sauté sliced onions until caramelized and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, and beef broth to the onions, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Pour the onion and broth mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until meatballs are cooked and tender.
  • About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs.
  • Serve the meatballs with the onion sauce over toasted bread or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh thyme if desired.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
Keyword beef, cheese, comfort food, French onion, meatballs, slow cooker