If you love the rich, deep flavors of French onion soup and the satisfying heartiness of meatballs, then this Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs recipe is a match made in heaven! These tender, juicy meatballs are slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful, caramelized onion broth, with a melted layer of gooey cheese on top. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or any time you want comfort food with minimal effort. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional, or use all beef)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the French Onion Sauce:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or substitute with more broth)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)