Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs
French onion meatballs combine all the flavors and ingredients found in a classic French onion soup, packing them into a hearty main dish or appetizer sure to impress friends and family.
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:
- Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, ensuring they are cooked evenly. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Caramelize Onions: In the same skillet used for browning the meatballs, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat until they turn golden brown and caramelized, which typically takes around 10-15 minutes. Once caramelized, add the onions to the slow cooker atop the meatballs.
- Prepare Gravy: In a mixing bowl, combine beef broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine, then pour the mixture over the meatballs and onions in the slow cooker.
- Cooking: Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to become tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste during the cooking process.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs with fresh thyme for a burst of aroma and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of savory meatballs, caramelized onions, and rich gravy.