Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

1 lb ground beef

1 packet French onion soup mix

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup milk

1 egg

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large onions, thinly sliced

2 cups beef broth

1/2 cup red wine (optional)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh thyme for garnish

Meatball Mixture:

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs.

Brown Meatballs:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, ensuring they are cooked evenly. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker.

Caramelize Onions:

In the same skillet used for browning the meatballs, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them over medium heat until they turn golden brown and caramelized, which typically takes around 10-15 minutes. Once caramelized, add the onions to the slow cooker atop the meatballs.

Prepare Gravy:

In a mixing bowl, combine beef broth, red wine (if using), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well to combine, then pour the mixture over the meatballs and onions in the slow cooker.

Cooking:

Set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to become tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste during the cooking process.

Garnish and Serve:

Just before serving, sprinkle the Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs with fresh thyme for a burst of aroma and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of savory meatballs, caramelized onions, and rich gravy.