Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a savory, slow-cooked comfort food favorite with rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Juicy meatballs are simmered in a delicious French onion gravy that’s loaded with caramelized onion flavor, then topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s an easy, satisfying dish I love to throw in the slow cooker when I want something hearty with almost no effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something bold and comforting. The meatballs soak up all that rich French onion flavor as they cook low and slow, and the cheesy topping takes it over the top. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and indulgent, whether I’m serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or toasted baguette slices.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Frozen or homemade meatballs

• French onion soup (canned or homemade)

• Beef broth

• Worcestershire sauce

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Butter

• Yellow onions, thinly sliced

• Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by melting butter in a skillet and sautéing the sliced onions over medium-low heat until they’re deeply golden and caramelized—this takes about 15–20 minutes, but it’s worth it.

2. I transfer the onions to the crock pot and add the frozen meatballs, French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. I stir everything gently to combine, then cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the meatballs are hot and infused with flavor.

4. About 15 minutes before serving, I sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the lid again, and let it melt into the sauce.

5. I finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and cooks for 2–3 hours on high or 4–6 hours on low.

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine to the mix for deeper flavor. If I want a thicker sauce, I stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water) about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking. For a different twist, I’ve used Swiss or Gruyère cheese for a more traditional French onion vibe.

storage/reheating

Leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. The meatballs also freeze well—just cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes. I just brown them first so they hold up well in the slow cooker, then cook as directed.

Do I have to caramelize the onions first?

I recommend it. Caramelizing brings out their natural sweetness and gives the dish that signature French onion flavor. It’s worth the extra step.

Can I use canned French onion soup?

Absolutely. I use it as a shortcut when I don’t want to make my own. Just be sure to balance the salt if it’s a sodium-heavy brand.

What’s the best cheese for topping?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone, Swiss, or Gruyère add a more traditional French onion flavor and richness.

How should I serve these meatballs?

I love them over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or toasted baguette slices for that French onion soup feel.

Conclusion

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are an easy, flavor-packed dinner that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen—but the slow cooker does all the work. With rich onion flavor, tender meatballs, and melted cheese on top, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for any night of the week. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to become a favorite at my table.