Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs: A Hearty and Flavorful Comfort Food Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 pound (about 225 g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

For the French Onion Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (optional, for topping)

Preparation

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch (2.5 cm) meatballs, yielding approximately 20-24 meatballs.
3. Sear (Optional): For extra flavor, sear the meatballs in a pan over medium heat until lightly browned on all sides. This step is optional but highly recommended.
4. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sugar (if using). Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are deeply caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
6. Deglaze: Pour in beef broth and red wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Slow Cook: Transfer the caramelized onion mixture to a slow cooker. Add the meatballs, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce.
8. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked.
9. Serve: Ladle the meatballs and sauce into bowls. Top with grated Gruyère cheese (if using) and serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete meal.