Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

When I first discovered this Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe, I knew it would quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. There’s something truly comforting about tender meatballs simmered slowly in a rich, savory onion sauce. I remember the first time I made them—I was craving a meal that felt indulgent but didn’t require standing over the stove for hours. The aroma of caramelized onions and herbs filled my home, and the meatballs were so flavorful and tender that everyone asked for seconds.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve these meatballs over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even as a hearty sandwich filling. They are perfect for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or even meal prep for the week. The slow cooker does most of the work, which allows you to focus on other tasks while the flavors develop beautifully.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe is how affordable it is. With simple pantry staples and basic ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish without breaking the bank. Using ground beef and chicken ham keeps it budget-friendly while still delivering maximum flavor. The caramelized onion sauce gives it a rich, sophisticated taste that feels much more expensive than it actually is.

Here’s a glimpse of the ingredients you’ll need for this dish:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 egg

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 large onions, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 4 oz chicken ham, diced

• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped

This combination of ingredients ensures that every bite is rich, flavorful, and satisfying. The slow cooker allows the onions to caramelize perfectly, while the meatballs stay tender and juicy. From the first bite, you’ll notice how the savory sauce complements the meatballs, creating a comforting dish that’s hard to resist.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing these Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs is easier than you might think, and the slow cooker does most of the work. This recipe is perfect for busy days because once you assemble everything, you can let it cook while you focus on other tasks. With clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll get tender meatballs in a rich, savory onion sauce that’s both comforting and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the onions: Begin by peeling and thinly slicing the three large onions. Slice them evenly to ensure they caramelize at the same rate. This step is crucial because the onions form the base of the sauce.

2. Cook the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring frequently, for about 15–20 minutes until they become soft and golden brown. This slow caramelization releases their natural sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.

3. Add garlic and chicken ham: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and diced chicken ham. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, to release the garlic’s aroma without burning it.

4. Prepare the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

5. Shape the meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20–24 meatballs, depending on size.

6. Brown the meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil and brown the meatballs in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Browning locks in flavor and helps maintain their shape during slow cooking.

7. Combine in the slow cooker: Place the caramelized onion and chicken ham mixture at the bottom of the slow cooker. Carefully layer the browned meatballs on top.

8. Add the sauce: Pour 1 cup of beef broth over the meatballs, followed by 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Stir gently to ensure the meatballs are evenly coated without breaking them.

9. Cook slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. The meatballs should be fully cooked and tender, and the sauce should be thick and flavorful.

10. Add turkey bacon: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the cooked, chopped turkey bacon over the meatballs. This adds a smoky flavor that complements the caramelized onions perfectly.

11. Serve: Once cooked, serve the meatballs over your choice of side: mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Spoon plenty of the onion sauce over the top to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Quick and Easy Tips

• You can prepare the meatball mixture the night before and refrigerate it. This saves time on busy days.

• The slow cooker ensures even cooking and enhances flavors, so avoid lifting the lid during cooking.

• For a lighter version, you can use low-fat beef or a combination of beef and ground turkey.

Customizable Options

• Swap herbs: Add rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.

• Cheese: Sprinkle additional Parmesan over the top before serving.

• Spice: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for subtle heat.

Popular with Many People

These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a crowd-pleaser because the sauce is rich but not overpowering, and the meatballs are tender and juicy. They are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep for the week. Every bite combines savory, sweet, and smoky notes that appeal to adults and children alike.

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

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These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Slow-cooked in a rich onion sauce with chicken ham and turkey bacon, they offer a comforting, savory meal with minimal effort.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 25
• Cook Time: 5
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 4 oz chicken ham, diced
• 4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped

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Instructions

1. Slice the onions evenly for caramelization.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook 15–20 minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently.
3. Add garlic and chicken ham; cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Combine meatball ingredients: ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
5. Form meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter.
6. Brown meatballs in a skillet 2–3 minutes per side.
7. Layer caramelized onions and chicken ham in the slow cooker.
8. Place meatballs on top carefully.
9. Pour beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme over meatballs. Stir gently.
10. Cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2–3 hours until meatballs are tender and sauce is thick.
11. Add chopped turkey bacon 30 minutes before serving.
12. Serve hot over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball ingredients to prevent toughness.

Browning meatballs before slow cooking enhances flavor and texture.

Use a slow cooker lid to keep moisture in and prevent drying.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Shape the meatballs just before browning and cooking in the slow cooker. This saves time while still delivering full flavor.

Q: Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely. Cook the meatballs fully, let them cool, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the slow cooker or oven with extra broth to keep them moist.

Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, ground beef works best for this recipe, but you can also use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey for a leaner option. Ensure the meatballs are cooked through before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer the meatballs and onion sauce in a large pot on low heat for about 45–60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Use a gentle mixing technique and avoid overmixing the meatball ingredients. Browning them before slow cooking helps them hold their shape and lock in flavor.