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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

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

Description

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish slow-cooked to perfection with savory natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, caramelized onions, and melted plant-based cheese. This tender and rich recipe combines classic French onion soup flavors into hearty meatballs that are perfect for easy dinners or gatherings. The recipe is versatile, simple to prepare, and delivers a delicious plant-based cheese twist for a creamy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground lean beef or lamb
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 cup caramelized onions (divided)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent
  • 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice onions and caramelize them in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and sweet, building the base flavor needed for this recipe.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and half of the caramelized onions. Gently mix until uniform without compacting the mixture.
  3. Form and Brown the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs and briefly sear them in a hot pan to lock in flavor and prevent them from falling apart during slow cooking.
  4. Assemble in the Crock Pot: Place the browned meatballs into the crock pot, pour in the broth, natural vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, remaining caramelized onions, and sprinkle the natural gelling agent evenly to thicken the sauce.
  5. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the meatballs become tender and infused with rich onion sauce.
  6. Add Plant-Based Cheese: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add plant-based cheese and allow it to melt into the sauce for a creamy and rich finish before serving.

Notes

  • Take your time caramelizing onions to develop their natural sweetness.
  • Mix meatball ingredients gently to avoid making them tough.
  • Sear meatballs before slow cooking to improve flavor and texture.
  • Use caramelized onions both in the meatball mix and in the sauce for layered flavors.
  • Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to achieve desired sauce thickness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: French Onion Meatballs, Crock Pot Meatballs, Slow Cooker Meatballs, Plant-Based Cheese Meatballs, Comfort Food

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