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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 7 to 8 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich onion gravy with caramelized onions, smoked turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese. This recipe combines effortless preparation with deep savory tastes, making it perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup chopped smoked turkey bacon
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 beaten egg substitute or flax egg

French Onion Gravy Base

  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or plant-based butter
  • 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent

Finishing

  • 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
  • Fresh parsley and thyme sprigs for garnish
  • Cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onion Base: Slowly caramelize thinly sliced onions in a skillet over low heat with olive oil or plant-based butter until they become golden and sweet, approximately 30-40 minutes. This process develops the deep, rich flavors essential for the French onion gravy.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, bread crumbs, chopped smoked turkey bacon, freshly chopped parsley, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the beaten egg substitute or flax egg. Mix gently to keep the meatballs tender and avoid overworking the mixture.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into uniform golf-ball-sized meatballs for even cooking. Place them on a parchment-lined tray for easier transfer.
  4. Layer in the Crock Pot: Spread a layer of the caramelized onions on the bottom of the crock pot. Add the meatballs in a single layer on top. Pour over the beef or vegetable broth combined with apple cider vinegar (natural) and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves.
  5. Slow Cook until Perfect: Set the crock pot to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the meatballs to become tender and soak in the savory onion gravy.
  6. Add Cheese and Thicken Gravy: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded plant-based cheese on top of the meatballs and stir in the natural gelling agent to slightly thicken the gravy, achieving the classic French onion texture.

Notes

  • Cook onions slowly on low heat to fully caramelize without burning.
  • Mix meatball ingredients gently to maintain tenderness.
  • Use fresh thyme and parsley for the best flavor brightness.
  • Monitor broth levels during cooking to keep the gravy luscious.
  • Add plant-based cheese near the end of cooking to melt perfectly without drying out.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Crock Pot meatballs, French onion meatballs, slow cooker comfort food, plant-based cheese recipes, smoked turkey bacon meatballs, gluten free appetizers, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce

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