Can I use frozen meatballs instead?

Absolutely! I've done this on crazy busy days. Just add them frozen right on top of the onions - no need to thaw. They'll need about 30 extra minutes of cooking time. The texture won't be quite as tender as homemade, but the flavor will still be fantastic!

How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?

Easy fix! Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth, then stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The sauce will thicken up beautifully as it bubbles.

What if I don't have Gruyere cheese?

No worries - Swiss cheese is my go-to substitute, but provolone or even a sharp white cheddar works in a pinch. Each gives a slightly different but equally delicious cheesy pull!

Can I make these in the oven instead?

You sure can! Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes in a covered dish. Just be sure to check that the meatballs reach 165°F internally. The onions won't get quite as caramelized, but it's still tasty!

Irresistible Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs in 6 Hours

Print Recipe

Tender meatballs simmered in a rich French onion sauce, made easy in your crock pot. Perfect for a cozy dinner.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: French-American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large onions, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp thyme
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

Instructions

Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
Place sliced onions in the crock pot.
Add meatballs on top of the onions.
Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce over the meatballs.
Sprinkle thyme on top.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Sprinkle cheese over the meatballs before serving.

Notes

Use lean ground beef for less grease.
For extra flavor, caramelize onions before adding to the crock pot.
Serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: crock pot, French onion, meatballs, slow cooker, easy dinner

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/crock-pot-french-onion-meatballs-recipe/