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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

  • Author: Jonathan
  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe is a comforting, hands-off meal featuring tender meatballs slow-cooked in a rich broth made with deeply caramelized onions and smoky turkey bacon. Perfect for busy days, these flavorful meatballs soaked in a sumptuous onion broth offer cozy warmth and satisfying tastes for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup plant-based bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp onion powder (natural)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, finely chopped
  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 cups beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 pinch natural gelling agent
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slowly cook thinly sliced onions in a skillet over medium-low heat until they become golden brown and sweet, forming the base of the broth. This step requires patience but builds rich flavor.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey with plant-based bread crumbs, onion powder (natural), garlic powder (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and finely chopped smoked turkey bacon. Mix gently to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Form and Brown the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and quickly brown in a skillet. Browning locks in flavor and improves texture for slow cooking.
  4. Assemble in the Crock Pot: Place the caramelized onions, browned meatballs, beef or vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of natural gelling agent into the crock pot. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Set the crock pot to low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours to meld flavors and tenderize the meatballs in the rich onion broth.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve with favorite sides such as noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes (plant-based).

Notes

  • Use fresh, sweet onions for better caramelization and natural sweetness.
  • Do not skip browning meatballs to lock in flavor and prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
  • Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours for tender, flavorful results.
  • Add the natural gelling agent midway through cooking to avoid over-thickening the broth.
  • Taste the broth halfway through cooking and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: crock pot, meatballs, french onion, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner

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