Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 packet French onion soup mix
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup red wine optional
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh thyme for garnish
Directions:
1 Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and Parmesan. Form into meatballs.
2 Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then transfer to the slow cooker.
3 Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet, cook onions until caramelized, about 10-15 minutes. Add to slow cooker on top of meatballs.
4 Prepare Gravy: Mix beef broth, red wine if using, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over meatballs and onions in the slow cooker.
5 Cook: Set slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Season with salt and pepper.
6 Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.
Prep Time: 20 mins Cooking Time: 6-8 hours Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins – 8 hrs 20 mins Servings: 4
Enjoy these Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs as a heartwarming dish thats perfect for any occasion, offering a gourmet twist on classic flavors.
Most Popular Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef if you prefer.
- Do I have to use red wine in the recipe?
- No, the red wine is optional. You can omit it if you prefer or substitute it with additional beef broth.
- Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop or oven cooking. Simply follow the same steps but adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
- What can I serve with these meatballs?
- These meatballs are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. You can also enjoy them with crusty bread or steamed vegetables.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze the leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
- Make sure to thoroughly mix the meatball mixture and firmly shape the meatballs. Chilling the meatball mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before forming the meatballs can also help them hold their shape.
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and onions ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. When ready to cook, simply follow the recipe instructions and cook in the slow cooker.
- What can I substitute for French onion soup mix if I don’t have it?
- You can make your own seasoning blend using a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and dried herbs such as thyme and parsley.
- Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
- Yes, you can use pre-made frozen meatballs if you’re short on time. Simply brown them in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
- Yes, you can add carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the slow cooker along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Top 15 Tips and Secrets to achieve the perfect :
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the dish.
- Mix the meatball ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can result in tough meatballs.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar to the meatball mixture.
- To make smaller meatballs, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture.
- For a richer gravy, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine before adding the beef broth.
- Add a pinch of brown sugar to the caramelized onions for added sweetness.
- For a thicker gravy, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
- Don’t skip the browning step for the meatballs as it adds flavor and helps them hold their shape.
- Stir the meatballs and onions gently halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Taste the gravy before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or additional herbs.
- For a creamy twist, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese into the gravy before serving.
- Garnish the meatballs with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats in the meatball mixture.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the meatball mixture to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Serve the meatballs and gravy with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.