Savory French onion-inspired meatballs slow-cooked in beefy broth with caramelized onions and melted cheese — perfect over mashed potatoes or hoagie rolls.
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb frozen fully cooked beef meatballs
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional)
1 cup shredded Gruyère or provolone cheese
Chopped parsley, for garnish
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions over medium-low heat until caramelized (25–30 minutes). Add garlic in the last 2 minutes.
Transfer onions to crock pot. Add meatballs, broth, Worcestershire, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Optional: Mix cornstarch and water, stir in, and cook 20 more minutes to thicken.
Sprinkle cheese over top. Cover until melted or broil in oven-safe dish for 2–3 minutes.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or on hoagie rolls.
Use turkey or vegetarian meatballs for variation. For party bites, serve directly from the slow cooker on warm setting.