Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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.