Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

A Savory Fusion of Classic Flavors

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Preparation Phase & Tools To Use

Tools Needed:

• Slow cooker
• Skillet (for browning the meatballs, optional)
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon or scoop (for forming meatballs)

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Ingredients & Their Roles

• 1 lb ground beef – Provides the main structure for the meatballs, offering a rich, meaty flavor.
• 1 packet of dry French onion soup mix – Infuses the meatballs and sauce with a deep, savory onion flavor.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs together, maintaining their shape during cooking.
• 1 egg – Acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs don’t fall apart.
• 1/4 cup milk – Adds moisture to the meatball mixture, making them tender.
• 2 cups beef broth – Forms the base of the sauce, enhancing the meaty flavor.
• 1 cup water – Adjusts the consistency of the sauce.
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (cornstarch slurry) – Thickens the sauce to a desirable consistency.
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese – Adds a nutty, sweet flavor that complements the savory meatballs.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Provides a burst of color and fresh flavor.

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Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, half of the dry French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, egg, and milk. Mix until well combined but avoid overworking the meat.
2. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs from the mixture.
3. Brown Meatballs (Optional): For added flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional.
4. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. Mix the beef broth, water, and the remaining half of the French onion soup mix. Pour this over the meatballs.
5. Cook: Set the slow cooker on low and cook for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
6. Thicken the Sauce: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the meatballs. Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
8. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. These meatballs are great over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, or served as an appetizer with toothpicks.

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Timing & Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus additional time if browning meatballs)
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Servings: 6 servings
• Kcal: Approximately 300 kcal per serving (varies based on the size of meatballs and specific ingredients used)

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Nutritional Information & Health Benefits:

This dish is high in protein and iron, thanks to the ground beef. The Swiss cheese adds calcium for bone health. To make this dish healthier, consider using lean ground beef and low-sodium beef broth.

Common Mistakes To Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

• Overmixing the Meat: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the meatballs tender.
• Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the meatballs adds depth of flavor, but you can skip this if short on time.
• Not Thicking the Sauce Enough: Adjust the cornstarch slurry to get your desired sauce consistency.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs combine the comforting flavors of French onion soup with the hearty satisfaction of meatballs. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or as a delicious appetizer for your next gathering. Enjoy the rich, savory taste of this unique recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.