French Onion Meatballs over Shortcut Mashed Potatoes

If you're looking for an easy comfort food dinner that tastes like it simmered all day, this recipe is for you! French Onion Meatballs over Shortcut Mashed Potatoes delivers all the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with almost no hands-on work. Sweet onions slowly cook until they're soft and flavorful, creating a delicious sauce that's perfect spooned over creamy mashed potatoes.

The best part is the shortcut! Refrigerated mashed potatoes make this meal incredibly easy while still tasting homemade. Simply heat them in the microwave while the onion mixture finishes cooking, then spoon everything together for a cozy dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.

Whether you're feeding your family after a long day or looking for an easy meal that's full of comforting flavors, this recipe is simple.

Ingredients

• 2 onions, thinly sliced into half moons

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (32-ounce) bag frozen homestyle meatballs

• 1 (10.5-ounce) can French onion soup

• 1 packet onion soup mix

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• Premade refrigerated mashed potatoes

Directions

1. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and frozen homestyle meatballs to the crockpot. Pour in the French onion soup and beef broth, then sprinkle in the onion soup mix, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add the Worcestershire sauce and stir everything together until well combined.

2. Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on High for 3½ to 4 hours, or until the onions are soft and the meatballs are heated through.

3. About 5 minutes before the onion mixture is finished cooking, heat the refrigerated mashed potatoes in the microwave according to the package directions. Most brands take about 4 minutes, making them the perfect shortcut for this meal.

4. Give the onion mixture a final stir to combine all of the flavors before serving.

5. Spoon a generous helping of warm mashed potatoes into each bowl. Ladle the French onion mixture over the top, making sure to include plenty of the flavorful broth and tender onions in every serving.

6. Serve immediately while everything is hot and enjoy this comforting meal with your favorite vegetable, a crisp side salad, or warm crusty bread if desired.

Bugsy's Tips

• Yellow or sweet onions both work well in this recipe and become wonderfully tender after slow cooking.

• Refrigerated mashed potatoes are a great time-saving shortcut, but homemade mashed potatoes are delicious if you have extra time.

• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through.

• This recipe is delicious as written, but it's also wonderful served over buttered egg noodles or steamed rice if you want to change things up.

Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and rich, comforting flavor make this an easy dinner you'll find yourself coming back to again and again. It's proof that a handful of pantry staples and a crockpot can create a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.