Description
Succulent French Onion Beef Meatballs simmer in a rich, savory sauce that blends classic French flavors with hearty comfort. Slow-cooked perfection brings robust taste to your table, inviting friends and family to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binding and Seasoning:
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups beef broth
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, and aromatic spices in a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Gently shape the meat mixture into uniform spherical portions, approximately one inch in diameter, using light pressure to maintain a tender texture.
- Lightly grease the interior of the crock pot to prevent potential sticking and enhance easy cleanup.
- Arrange the carefully crafted meatballs in a single layer within the slow cooker, creating minimal overlap to promote even cooking.
- Prepare the onion sauce by caramelizing sliced onions until they develop a rich, golden-brown color and deep, sweet flavor profile.
- Pour the luxurious French onion sauce over the meatballs, ensuring complete coverage and allowing the liquid to seep between the meat portions.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, allowing the meatballs to simmer and absorb the complex flavors for several hours until fully cooked and tender.
- During the final cooking stage, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top to create a delectable, melted crust that enhances the dish’s overall richness.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully transfer the meatballs to a serving platter, spooning the remaining onion sauce over the top for maximum flavor infusion.
Notes
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat content for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during slow cooking.
- Gentle Mixing Technique: Avoid overworking the meat mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs; mix ingredients just until combined for tender results.
- Uniform Size Crucial: Use a small cookie scoop or wet hands to create consistent 1-inch meatballs, ensuring even cooking and professional presentation.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg