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Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs


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

Description

Easy Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender meatballs infused with caramelized onions, smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers rich, savory tastes with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 cup caramelized onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped smoked turkey bacon
  • 1/3 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or chopped
  • 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 cup caramelized onions
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Slowly cook sliced onions in a pan over low heat until they are soft, golden, and release a natural sweetness that deepens the flavor of the meatballs.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat or plant-based protein, chopped smoked turkey bacon, caramelized onions, plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), minced garlic, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Mix gently until evenly incorporated.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, ensuring they hold together well but stay tender.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In your Crock Pot, combine additional caramelized onions, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), a natural gelling agent, and seasonings to create a flavorful base that will envelop the meatballs while cooking.
  5. Slow Cook: Place the meatballs gently into the Crock Pot with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the meatballs are tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use fresh onions as they caramelize better and add more flavor than pre-sliced options.
  • Do not overmix the meatball ingredients to keep them tender and juicy.
  • For extra flavor, sear meatballs briefly in a pan before adding to the Crock Pot.
  • Taste the sauce before slow cooking and adjust salt or vinegar as needed.
  • Add herbs both in the meatball mix and the sauce for layered flavors.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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