Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

If you're looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers big on flavor, these Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs are exactly what you need! These juicy, tender meatballs are simmered in a rich, savory sauce made with beefy onion soup mix, creating a deliciously flavorful meal that’s perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy family dinner. Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let the magic happen! Read on to discover how to make these effortless and tasty meatballs, plus tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

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What Are Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs?

Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs are a simple yet flavorful dish made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and a savory onion soup mix for seasoning. The meatballs are browned, then slow-cooked in a sauce that combines the rich flavors of beef broth, onions, and seasonings. This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead of time for a no-fuss meal. Serve them as appetizers with toothpicks or over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty main course.

Ingredients List for Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make these flavorful and tender meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease, or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs.
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix: Provides a savory, beefy flavor.
• ¼ cup milk: Helps keep the meatballs moist.
• 1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a bit of depth to the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory onion flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning.

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) beef broth: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix: To infuse the sauce with more beefy onion flavor.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a touch of tang.

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a slight smokiness to the sauce.
• ½ cup sour cream: Stir into the sauce at the end for extra creaminess.

Substitutions and Variations

Customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences with these variations:

• Meat options: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also use a combination of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free milk alternative (like almond milk) in the meatball mixture and swap the cream of mushroom soup with a dairy-free version or a can of tomato sauce.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatballs or sauce if you like a bit of heat.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free onion soup mix to make this recipe gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make flavorful Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs in your slow cooker.

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion soup mix, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
• Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on a plate or baking sheet. You should have about 20-24 meatballs depending on the size.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning them to get a nice sear. This step is optional, but browning adds flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape.
• Once browned, transfer the meatballs to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, and Worcestershire sauce. If you're using smoked paprika, add it to the sauce now.
• Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker, making sure they're evenly coated.

Step 4: Cook the Meatballs

• Cover and cook the meatballs on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The meatballs should be tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Optional – Add Creaminess

• If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in ½ cup sour cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Mix well and let it heat through.

Step 6: Serve

• Once done, garnish the meatballs with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot!

How to Cook Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Mix the meatball ingredients: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, seasonings, and egg to form the meatball mixture.
2. Brown the meatballs: Browning adds extra flavor but is optional if you're in a hurry.
3. Prepare the sauce: Mix the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, and onion soup mix to create a rich, beefy sauce.
4. Slow cook the meatballs: Let them simmer in the sauce for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high until tender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the meatball mixture: Mixing the meat too much can result in dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Skipping browning: While browning the meatballs is optional, it adds a lot of flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape better during cooking.
• Not enough sauce: Be sure to fully coat the meatballs with the sauce so they stay moist and flavorful throughout cooking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal. Here’s how to make them shine:

How to Serve Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs

• As an appetizer: Serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for an easy, bite-sized appetizer. They’re perfect for game day, parties, or potlucks.
• Over pasta: Serve the meatballs and sauce over a bed of egg noodles, spaghetti, or any pasta of your choice for a hearty meal.
• With mashed potatoes: Pair the meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting, homestyle dinner.
• With rice or crusty bread: Serve over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs

• Garnish with herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.
• Serve in a slow cooker: If you're hosting a party, keep the meatballs warm in the slow cooker and let guests serve themselves.
• Platter style: Arrange the meatballs on a large platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with herbs for a beautiful and easy-to-share presentation.

Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe Tips

• Make them ahead: These meatballs are perfect for meal prep. You can form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also brown and freeze the meatballs for later use.
• Double the recipe: If you're cooking for a crowd, feel free to double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze these meatballs?
A: Yes! You can freeze both the raw meatballs or cooked meatballs. To freeze cooked meatballs, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you're short on time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Just skip the browning step and add them directly to the slow cooker. Adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken works well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as poultry can dry out faster than beef.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cor

nstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

These Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs are the ultimate easy comfort food, offering juicy, tender meatballs in a savory, flavorful sauce. Whether you're serving them at a party or for a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld together while you go about your day. Try this recipe today for a delicious, hassle-free meal that everyone will love!

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