In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, French onion soup mix, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the Meatballs:
Once the mixture is well-combined, shape it into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can use a spoon or your hands for this step. For an even size, you might want to use a small ice cream scoop.
Brown the Meatballs (Optional, for extra crispiness):
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 2-3 minutes, just enough to give them a golden, crispy exterior. This step is optional but adds a delicious crispness to the final dish.
Slow Cook the Meatballs:
Once the meatballs are browned (or if you skip this step), place them in the crockpot. Set the crockpot on low and cook for about 3-4 hours or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.
Serve and Garnish:
After cooking, carefully remove the meatballs from the crockpot. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or with a side of veggies, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy and juicy meatballs with the rich French onion flavor.
Tips:
Make Ahead: You can make these meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before cooking. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, just add the frozen meatballs directly to the crockpot and adjust the cooking time slightly.
Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, add a splash of hot sauce or chili flakes to the meatball mixture for a bit of heat.
Serving Ideas: These meatballs also work great as appetizers. Just keep toothpicks nearby for easy serving!
Conclusion:
These Crispy Crock Pot French Onion Beef Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food with an irresistible French onion twist. They’re simple to make, cook up effortlessly in the slow cooker, and offer a perfect balance of crispy and tender textures. Whether enjoyed with mashed potatoes or served as an appetizer, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation, just like it has for me, twice a week!
ADVERTISEMENT
