Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
A delightful fusion of savory flavors, these meatballs are infused with aromatic herbs and enveloped in rich French onion soup, topped with melty Gruyère cheese.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef Choose high-quality beef for excellent flavor and juiciness.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs These give the meatballs a tender texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Elevates the dish with added richness.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the meatballs with aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Adds an herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Provides depth to the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Essential for flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning) Provides a crispy exterior.
For the Sauce
- 2 cups French onion soup Or 1 can, low-sodium if preferred.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Offers a unique umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Enhances the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme Provides a burst of flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese Creamy and melty.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, dried thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Brown the meatballs in the skillet for approximately 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the crock pot.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme until blended.
- Pour the soup mixture over the meatballs, ensuring they are covered.
Cooking
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are cooked through.
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs and cover to allow melting.
Serving
- Serve the meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or enjoyed on their own.
Notes
For more flavor, consider adding chopped onions to the meatball mixture or sautéing some before adding to the crock pot. A splash of beef broth can enrich the sauce. For heat, try red pepper flakes in the mixture or soup.