Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe combines tender meatballs with rich, savory onion gravy and melted gruyere cheese for a comforting, easy meal. Perfect for busy days, it simmers slowly to develop deep flavors without much hands-on time.

Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow onions (sliced)
• 26 ounces frozen meatballs
• 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
• 1½ cups gruyere cheese (grated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot, then layer the frozen meatballs evenly on top.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar until well combined. Pour this mixture over the meatballs.
3. Step 3: Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours, or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until meatballs are heated through and onions are tender.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the corn starch and water to make a slurry. Pour it over the meatballs and stir gently to combine. Sprinkle the grated gruyere cheese on top, then cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Step 5: Serve hot over rice or mashed potatoes and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra caramelized flavor, sauté the onions briefly before adding them to the crock pot.
• Substitute Swiss or mozzarella cheese if gruyere isn’t available.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for deeper umami taste.
• If you prefer a thicker gravy, increase the corn starch to 3 tablespoons.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the gravy and cheese may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade meatballs work great. Just make sure they are fully cooked before placing them in the crock pot to ensure food safety and proper texture.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to cook the onions first, then add all ingredients except the cornstarch mixture and cheese. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then use the sauté function again to thicken the sauce with the cornstarch slurry and melt the cheese.