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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-25 meatballs, depending on their size.
- Brown the Meatballs (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the meatballs in a hot pan with a bit of olive oil for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step is optional, but it adds a rich depth of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and just add the raw meatballs directly to the Crock Pot.
2. Prepare the French Onion Sauce
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. The goal is to caramelize the onions until they’re golden brown and soft, which will bring out their natural sweetness.
- Deglaze the Pan: Once the onions are caramelized, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the pan (if using), scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This adds a deeper, richer taste to the sauce.
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: Add the French onion soup and beef broth to the skillet with the onions. Stir in the thyme, and bring the mixture to a simmer for a few minutes.
3. Cook in the Crock Pot
- Add Meatballs to the Crock Pot: Place the browned (or raw) meatballs into the Crock Pot.
- Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs: Pour the French onion sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re all covered in the savory broth and caramelized onions.
- Slow Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish: Once the meatballs are done, you can garnish them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Serve: These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are perfect served on their own as an appetizer, with crusty bread, over pasta, or with mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
- Use Lean Meat: If you prefer, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version of this recipe.
- Add Cheese: For an extra French onion soup twist, top each meatball with a slice of melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese during the last 10 minutes of cooking. This creates a deliciously gooey, cheesy topping.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before serving.
- Make It Ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the Crock Pot or on the stove.
Conclusion
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful dishes. With tender meatballs, a rich onion broth, and a slow-cooked depth of flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Once you make this dish, it will surely become a go-to comfort food for years to come. So grab your Crock Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering delight!
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