Introduction

Looking for a mouthwatering dish that’s both comforting and easy to make? Look no further than these Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs! This recipe combines the classic flavors of French onion soup with savory meatballs, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food that will have your family coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 bay leaf
– Sliced Swiss cheese, for serving
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Meatballs:**
– In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
– Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

2. **Brown the Meatballs:**
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker.

3. **Cook the Onions:**
– In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10-15 minutes.
– Transfer the caramelized onions to the slow cooker, placing them on top of the meatballs.

4. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– In a small bowl, mix together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and bay leaf. Pour the mixture over the meatballs and onions in the slow cooker.

5. **Cook Low and Slow:**
– Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have melded together.

6. **Serve:**
– Once the meatballs are cooked, remove the bay leaf.
– Serve the meatballs and onions over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
– Top each serving with a slice of Swiss cheese and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.

Conclusion

These Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. The tender meatballs, caramelized onions, and flavorful sauce create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, the convenience of using a slow cooker makes this recipe a breeze to prepare. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of classic French onion soup in meatball form!