Savory French Onion Meatball Delight
This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for gatherings or game nights. Originally inspired by a classic French onion soup, this recipe combines the richness of beef gravy and the robust flavor of onion soup mix, creating a luscious sauce that complements tender meatballs. With minimal prep and just a few ingredients, these meatballs can easily be whipped up in your slow cooker, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family. A delightful and hearty snack, these savory meatballs are bound to impress your guests at any gathering!
72
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen cooked meatballs
2 (18 ounce) packages (partially thawed)
Savory beef gravy
1 (12 ounce) jar (ready to use)
Dry onion soup mix
1 (1 ounce) package (dry mix)
Dry sherry
1 tablespoon (liquid)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the partially thawed frozen meatballs into the slow cooker. Spread them out evenly to ensure even cooking.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the savory beef gravy, dry onion soup mix, and dry sherry. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined.
3
Pour the gravy mixture over the meatballs, making sure they are well-coated. Gently stir the meatballs to mix them slightly with the sauce.
4
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 3 ½ to 4 ½ hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors have melded together.
5
Once done, serve the meatballs warm either straight from the slow cooker or in a serving dish. They pair perfectly with crusty bread or on toothpicks for easy snacking!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory French Onion Meatball Delight?
It is a simple, flavorful appetizer or snack inspired by French onion soup, combining meatballs with beef gravy and onion soup mix.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 72 individual meatballs, suitable for a large gathering.
What are the main ingredients required?
The main ingredients are frozen cooked meatballs, savory beef gravy, dry onion soup mix, and dry sherry.
Should the meatballs be thawed before cooking?
The meatballs should be partially thawed before placing them in the slow cooker for even cooking.
How long do the meatballs need to cook?
They should be cooked on the low setting for 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
Can I use turkey meatballs instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute frozen turkey meatballs if you prefer a leaner meat option.
Is there a substitute for dry sherry?
If you don't have dry sherry, you can use beef broth or a splash of white wine as a substitute.
What is the best way to serve these meatballs?
They are best served warm straight from the slow cooker, either on toothpicks or with crusty bread.
Is this recipe suitable for game nights?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a hearty and easy snack for game nights or social gatherings.
How much dry onion soup mix is used?
The recipe calls for one 1-ounce package of dry onion soup mix.
What size of gravy jar is needed?
You will need one 12-ounce jar of savory beef gravy.
Do I need to add water to the sauce?
No, the moisture from the gravy, sherry, and meatballs is enough to create a luscious sauce.
Can I make this recipe on high heat?
While low heat is recommended for melding flavors, you can cook on high for about 1.5 to 2 hours if you are short on time.
Can I double the recipe for a larger party?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra volume.
Are these meatballs spicy?
No, they are savory and rich, focusing on the flavor of beef and caramelized onions.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked meatballs?
Yes, once cooked and cooled, they can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat the meatballs?
You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop in a small saucepan over low heat.
Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes, sprinkling some shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese over the meatballs before serving adds to the French onion soup theme.
What kind of meatballs should I buy?
Any standard frozen pre-cooked beef or Italian-style meatballs will work well.
Can I add fresh onions to the slow cooker?
Yes, adding sliced sautéed onions can enhance the texture and flavor even further.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Meat and is typically served as an appetizer.
Is the sherry essential for the flavor?
The sherry provides a distinct depth of flavor common in French onion soup, but the dish is still delicious without it.
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, but ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker for this specific recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on your meatballs and gravy; you would need to use gluten-free versions of those pre-packaged items.
Can I serve this over rice or pasta?
Absolutely, these meatballs and their sauce pair very well with white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
Is this a kid-friendly dish?
Yes, the mild savory flavor of the gravy and meatballs is generally very popular with children.
What is the preparation time?
The prep time is minimal, requiring only a few minutes to combine the sauce ingredients and place them in the slow cooker.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include meatballs, slow cooker, appetizer, party food, easy recipe, and french onion.
Does the alcohol in the sherry cook off?
Most of the alcohol content will evaporate during the 4-hour slow cooking process, leaving only the flavor.