If there’s one thing that fills my kitchen with joy (and my husband’s plate with seconds), it’s this Crockpot French Onion Meatballs recipe. One busy Sunday, I needed something hearty and hands-off. I threw frozen meatballs, onions, and a few pantry staples into my slow cooker. Hours later, the rich aroma made its way into every corner of the house. When dinner hit the table, my husband’s first bite was followed by a very satisfied “Mmm.” That’s when I knew this one was Dailycious-worthy.
This easy dish transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-style comfort meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re planning for weeknights or a cozy gathering, Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs will impress every time.
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons. First, it’s ridiculously easy. You only need a handful of ingredients and your trusty Crockpot. No need to brown meatballs, no complicated steps. Just dump, set, and let your slow cooker do the magic.
Second, the flavor. It combines everything we love about French onion soup; sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, gooey cheese, and pairs it with tender meatballs. The result is a deeply savory, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that tastes like you worked for hours.
Third, it’s perfect for meal prep. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers over mashed potatoes, rice, or even stuffed into crusty rolls. And for busy nights, this meal is a true lifesaver. It’s as comforting as this Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites; rich, hands-off, and full of flavor.
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Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Slow cooked to savory perfection, these Crockpot French Onion Meatballs combine rich broth, tender meatballs, and gooey cheese in one effortless meal.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1.5 to 2 lbs frozen fully-cooked meatballs
2 large sweet yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Thinly slice onions and set aside.
2. In a slow cooker, add onions, meatballs, garlic, Worcestershire, and beef broth.
3. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours.
4. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle cheese on top.
5. Cover again until cheese is melted.
6. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or bread.
Notes
Use chicken or turkey meatballs as a lighter option.
Swap Gruyère with mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan.
Freeze leftovers up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make French Onion Meatballs in the Crockpot:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Frozen fully-cooked meatballs | 1.5 to 2 lbs |
| Sweet yellow onions, sliced | 2 large |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Worcestershire sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1–1.5 cups |
It’s the kind of meal that proves simple ingredients can create something special, much like this comforting Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini that’s just as creamy and easy to love.
How to Make the Perfect French onion meatballs
Making these slow cooker French onion meatballs couldn’t be easier.
- 1. Prep your onions
Slice the onions thinly. This step is essential; the thinner the slices, the better they’ll melt into that luscious broth. - 2. Layer ingredients in the Crockpot
Add sliced onions, meatballs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. - 3. Cook low and slow
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours. The onions will break down beautifully, and the meatballs will absorb all that savory flavor. - 4. Finish with cheese
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the cheese on top. Cover again until melted and gooey. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or crusty bread.
For a cozy combo, try pairing it with these Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings. Together, they make an unbeatable fall dinner.
Tips and Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few delicious ways to do it.
- Use homemade meatballs
Frozen meatballs save time, but if you have a favorite homemade recipe, go for it! Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the slow cooker. - Try different cheeses
Gruyère gives it a classic French onion soup feel, but mozzarella or provolone melts just as beautifully. For a sharper bite, sprinkle some Parmesan on top. - Add fresh herbs
A few sprigs of thyme or a bay leaf tossed in at the beginning brings extra depth. - Make it spicy
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.
You could also enjoy this dish alongside a lighter veggie-packed option like this Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad for balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken or turkey meatballs instead?
Yes! Chicken or turkey meatballs work great. Just be sure they’re already cooked before adding to the slow cooker.
Do I need to sauté the onions first?
Not at all. The slow cooker does the job, the onions cook down into sweet, jammy perfection as it simmers.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely. Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
What’s the best way to serve these meatballs?
They’re amazing over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or served on toasted rolls with melted cheese, kind of like a meatball sub meets French onion soup.
Another great side to complete the meal is these buttery Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Final Thoughts
These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again. The flavors are rich, the prep is minimal, and the results? Unforgettable. Whether you serve them on a cozy weeknight or as a crowd-pleasing party dish, they’re bound to become a household favorite.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
