French onion soup is a beloved comfort food known for its rich, savory flavors and melty cheese topping. Imagine those same flavors transformed into delectable meatballs, simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe for Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs combines the best of both worlds, offering a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or any time you want a satisfying meal with minimal effort. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every step of creating these irresistible meatballs, ensuring your dish turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients
To capture the essence of French onion soup in meatball form, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the French Onion Sauce:
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Crusty bread or mashed potatoes (optional)