These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a mouthwatering combination of tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, caramelized onion gravy. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is effortless to prepare and packed with flavor. Let your slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy the irresistible aroma filling your kitchen. Whether served as an appetizer, over mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb frozen meatballs (homemade or store-bought, beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 4 large onions , thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (optional, substitute with more beef broth if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed French onion soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley , chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes , until golden brown and caramelized.
- Stir in the minced garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Place the frozen meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the caramelized onions on top of the meatballs.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, red wine (if using), Worcestershire sauce, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the meatballs and onions.
