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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes to 6 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring savory plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, and a rich natural caramelized onion sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, these tender and juicy meatballs offer a delicious blend of hearty ingredients, melting in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Caramelized Onion Sauce

  • 3 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cups beef broth (natural)
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramelized Onion Sauce: Thinly slice the onions and sauté them slowly over medium heat until they turn a deep golden brown, adding a pinch of sugar to speed up the caramelization while preserving richness. Once caramelized, stir in apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), fresh thyme leaves, and beef broth (natural). Sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly and mix well to ensure the sauce will thicken during cooking.
  2. Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely chopped smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese (plant-based), minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, egg, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and freshly ground black pepper. Mix gently yet thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed, taking care not to overpack the mixture to maintain tenderness.
  3. Shape and Brown Meatballs: Form the mixture into uniform 1.5-inch diameter meatballs for even cooking. Optionally, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side to develop extra color and depth of flavor before slow cooking.
  4. Slow Cook Until Tender: Place the meatballs in the crock pot and pour the prepared caramelized onion sauce over them. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours, or until the meatballs are tender and fully infused with the rich, savory flavors of the sauce.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better binding and tenderness.
  • Browning meatballs adds deeper flavor and a more appealing color.
  • Caramelize onions slowly to achieve the ideal sweet-savory balance.
  • Panko breadcrumbs help absorb excess moisture, keeping meatballs juicy but firm.
  • Keep the crock pot covered during cooking to maintain sauce thickness and meatball moisture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: French onion, meatballs, crock pot, slow cooker, comfort food, plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, caramelized onion sauce

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/crock-pot-french-onion-meatballs/