Slow Cooker Onion Soup Meatballs -

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting dish, Slow Cooker Onion Soup Meatballs are a fantastic choice. This recipe is easy to make and yields tender, flavorful meatballs that simmer in a rich onion broth, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, these meatballs are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Why You Will Love this Recipe

This recipe is not just simple; it’s packed with flavor and versatility. The combination of ground beef and onions creates a rich umami taste, perfectly complemented by the savory broth. Plus, cooking the meatballs in a slow cooker allows for deep flavor development without constant attention. The ingredients used are commonly found in most kitchens and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or using it as a party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Onion Soup Meatballs

Here are some expert tips that will help elevate your cooking game and make the process even easier:

Don’t Overwork the Meat Mixture: When mixing the meat, be gentle to avoid tough meatballs. Just mix until ingredients are combined.
Optional Browning: Browning the meatballs helps to lock in flavor and gives them a beautiful color. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking. This will give the broth a nice consistency.
Serve with Sides: These meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, adding to the overall flavor experience.
Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and freeze it in portions for easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

To create these Slow Cooker Onion Soup Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

500g ground beef – This is the base of your meatballs, providing protein and flavor.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These help bind the meatballs together.
1/4 cup milk – Adds moisture and richness to the meat mixture.
1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the meatballs together.
1/4 cup finely chopped onion – Enhances the flavor of the meatballs.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon dried parsley – For a touch of herbal flavor.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a hint of spice.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for flavor.
1 tablespoon olive oil for browning (optional) – Used if you choose to brown the meatballs.

For the sauce:

1 packet (about 30g) dry onion soup mix (no added alcohol) – This provides a concentrated flavor base.
2 cups beef broth – The liquid for simmering the meatballs.
1 tablespoon tomato paste – Adds richness and an underlying tomato flavor.
1 tablespoon soy sauce – For added umami.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (alcohol-free) – Enhances the savory notes of the sauce.
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional) – For thickening the sauce if desired.
2 tablespoons water (for slurry, if using cornstarch) – Needed to create the slurry for thickening.
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish – A lovely finishing touch.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix just until combined; be careful not to overwork it, as this can result in dense meatballs.

Step 2: Roll the mixture into meatballs, each about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield approximately 20 meatballs. Place them on a plate or baking sheet as you form them.

Step 3: (Optional) Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the pan and brown them on all sides for 2-3 minutes. Browning adds a layer of flavor and helps the meatballs hold together better during cooking.

Step 4: In your slow cooker, whisk together the onion soup mix, beef broth, tomato paste, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. This forms the base sauce where your meatballs will cook.

Step 5: Gently add the browned or raw meatballs into the sauce in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to coat them with the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged for even cooking.

Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.

Step 7: If you like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker about 20 minutes before the cooking time ends, and let it cook uncovered to thicken.

Step 8: Once done, garnish the meatballs with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Pair them with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a leaner option. It may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them. They can also be frozen and cooked later; just add extra cooking time if frozen.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

What else can I add to the meatballs?

You can customize the meatballs by adding grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, or other spices you enjoy. Be creative with your flavor profile!

Can I use a different type of broth?

Yes, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer. Each will give a different flavor profile to the sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Onion Soup Meatballs are a delightful, savory dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining friends, these meatballs deliver a satisfying meal that pairs well with a variety of sides. Try this recipe today and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors that it brings!