Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are the perfect blend of savory and satisfying flavors. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a rich French onion sauce, soaking up every bit of its flavorful goodness. This slow-cooker recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to prepare with minimal hands-on cooking time.
- The Crock Pot does all the work, making it great for busy schedules.
- Combines classic French onion soup flavors with tender, juicy meatballs.
- Perfectly versatile—serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
- Optionally topped with Swiss cheese for a melty, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (optional, for topping)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into 20–24 meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step enhances the flavor but is optional.
3. Add to Crock Pot
Place the meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
4. Prepare the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the Crock Pot.
5. Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
6. Add the Cheese (Optional)
During the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the meatballs. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
7. Serve
Serve the meatballs and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4–6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs and vegetable broth instead of beef and French onion soup.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- Herb Lovers: Mix in fresh chopped parsley or thyme into the meatball mixture or sauce.
- Cheese Swap: Use Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar instead of Swiss cheese for a different cheesy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Add them directly to the Crock Pot and adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What’s the best way to make French onion soup for this recipe?
For homemade French onion soup, sauté sliced onions until caramelized, then simmer in beef broth with a splash of white wine and thyme.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, skip the Parmesan cheese in the meatballs and omit the Swiss cheese topping.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger Crock Pot to ensure the meatballs fit in a single layer and cook evenly.
5. What other sides go well with this dish?
Serve with crusty bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
6. How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Ensure the meat mixture is well-mixed, and don’t skip the breadcrumbs and egg—they act as binders to hold the meatballs together.
7. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the browned meatballs in a large skillet with the sauce over low heat for about 20–30 minutes.
8. Can I use ground pork or a beef-pork mix?
Yes, a beef-pork mix adds extra flavor and works well in this recipe.
9. Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Definitely. Sliced mushrooms or diced carrots would complement the flavors beautifully.
10. What if my sauce is too thin?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a cozy, savory dish packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether served over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente pasta, these tender meatballs and their rich onion-infused sauce are sure to delight. Add a sprinkle of melted cheese for an extra layer of indulgence, and you have a meal your whole family will love!
Print
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
- Total Time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs simmered to perfection in a rich and savory French onion soup sauce. Topped with optional Swiss cheese for a cheesy twist, this comforting slow-cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a satisfying meal over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups French onion soup (canned or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Shape the mixture into 20-24 meatballs. - Brown the Meatballs (Optional):
For added flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. - Add to Crock Pot:
Place the meatballs in the bottom of the Crock Pot. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix the French onion soup, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour the mixture over the meatballs in the Crock Pot. - Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. - Serve:
If desired, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the meatballs during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Serve the meatballs with sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add caramelized onions for extra richness.
- For a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
