Cooking a hearty and delicious meal doesn’t have to be stressful, especially when you can rely on the simplicity of a crockpot. Imagine coming home to the rich aroma of tender meatballs nestled in a savory French onion broth. This French Onion Meatball Stew in Crockpot is the perfect comfort food to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive into the details so you can bring this dish to life in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about a crockpot meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. This stew combines the sweet caramelization of onions with flavorful meatballs and a hearty broth. It’s easy to prepare, economical, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, the slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is everything you’ll need to make this flavorful stew:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Yellow onion (diced) | 1 cup |
| Celery (diced) | 2 stalks |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves |
| Chicken bouillon cubes | 2 |
| Dried thyme | ½ tsp |
| Ground black pepper | ¼ tsp |
| Chicken broth | 8 cups (2 cartons) |
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | 1 ½ lbs (about 6) |
| Carrots (peeled and diced) | 2 large |
| Long-grain white rice | 1 cup (uncooked) |
| Bay leaf | 1 |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the onion, celery, and carrots.
- Mince the garlic.
- Measure out your spices and broth.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and celery, cooking for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the sautéed aromatics to your crockpot. Add the chicken bouillon cubes, dried thyme, ground black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in the chicken broth, chicken thighs, carrots, and uncooked rice.
4. Cook the Stew
Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours, or high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the rice fully cooked by the end of the cooking time.
5. Shred the Chicken
Once the stew is done, carefully remove the chicken thighs. Use two forks to shred the meat, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir well to combine.
6. Adjust Seasonings and Serve
Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Onions
Yellow onions are ideal for this recipe as they caramelize beautifully, adding a natural sweetness to the stew.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, potatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Rice Alternatives
If you prefer, you can use minute rice or even quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Freezing and Reheating
This stew freezes wonderfully. Simply store in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
FAQs
1. Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken thighs with beef stew meat or even ground beef meatballs for a richer flavor.
2. What’s the best way to thicken the stew?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
3. Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, simply follow the same instructions and simmer the stew on low heat for about 45 minutes until everything is tender.
4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Ensure your chicken bouillon cubes and broth are gluten-free. You can also replace the rice with a gluten-free grain like quinoa.
5. Can I add cheese?
Definitely! Sprinkle some grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
6. What’s the best side to serve with this stew?
Crusty bread or a light green salad pairs perfectly with this hearty stew.
Conclusion: Make It Tonight!
This French Onion Meatball Stew in Crockpot is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together bold flavors, tender meatballs, and a satisfying broth. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and enjoy a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Learn more about crockpot cooking and start experimenting with delicious, hassle-free meals today!
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French Onion Meatball Stew in Crockpot
- Total Time: 6.5-8.5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This French Onion Meatball Stew is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. With tender meatballs, caramelized onions, and a rich broth, it’s a crockpot masterpiece that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and your soul with warmth. Simple, hearty, and deeply flavorful—this is a dish you’ll return to time and time again.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Base Stew Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 large carrots (diced)
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until combined, then roll into 1-inch balls. Chill for 15 minutes if possible.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sauté onion and celery until onion is translucent (about 2 minutes).
- Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Assemble in Crockpot
- Transfer sautéed vegetables to the crockpot.
- Add bouillon cubes, thyme, black pepper, bay leaf, carrots, and rice.
- Place meatballs on top and pour chicken broth over everything.
Step 4: Cook the Stew
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasonings 30 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove bay leaf.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, brown the meatballs before adding them to the crockpot.
- Use fresh thyme instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
- Add a cornstarch slurry (1 Tbsp cornstarch + 2 Tbsp water) in the last 30 minutes for a thicker stew.
- Substitute rice with barley, quinoa, or orzo if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
