Description
Delicious Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich, caramelized onion and French onion soup sauce, topped with melted Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Perfect for a comforting appetizer or main course that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound frozen fully cooked meatballs
Onion Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed French onion soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the thinly sliced onions. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until the onions become soft and golden brown. Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, cooking an additional 2–3 minutes until caramelized and richly flavored.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the caramelized onions to the slow cooker, ensuring all the buttery juices come along.
- Add Meatballs and Seasonings: Add the frozen meatballs, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, condensed French onion soup, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. Stir the mixture gently until all ingredients are well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Cheese Topping: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese evenly over the meatballs. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve hot. These meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or in toasted sub rolls for a hearty sandwich.
Notes
- Serve meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or within toasted sub rolls for a savory sandwich.
- For homemade meatballs, cook or sear them before adding to the slow cooker to ensure thorough cooking.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free meatballs and ensure the French onion soup is gluten-free.
