Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting, savory dish that I like to make when I want something rich, hearty, and low-effort. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, these meatballs soak up all the bold flavor of French onion soup and come out tender and juicy every time. It’s a cozy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how hands-off this recipe is—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. The meatballs become infused with deep, caramelized onion flavor, and the sauce thickens into a luscious gravy-like finish. It’s versatile too—I serve it over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even toasted baguette slices for a French dip-style presentation. The best part? It’s made with frozen meatballs, which saves me a ton of prep time.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Frozen beef meatballs
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French onion soup (canned or homemade)
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Brown gravy mix or beef broth
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Worcestershire sauce
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Onion, thinly sliced (optional, for extra onion flavor)
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Garlic powder
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Black pepper
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
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Provolone or Swiss cheese slices (optional, for melting on top)
directions
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I start by placing the frozen meatballs into the bottom of the Crock Pot.
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Then I pour in the French onion soup, sprinkle in the gravy mix, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and stir everything to combine.
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If I’m using fresh onions, I layer them over the top before covering the Crock Pot with the lid.
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I cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
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Before serving, I place slices of provolone or Swiss cheese over the meatballs and let them melt in the hot sauce, just like the cheesy top of classic French onion soup.
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I garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
Total time: 6 hours and 5 minutes (on low)
Variations
Sometimes I switch the meatballs to turkey or chicken for a lighter version. I’ve also added mushrooms or green beans into the slow cooker for extra veggies. If I want a thicker sauce, I mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking. And for a spicy version, I add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. If I’m in a hurry, I microwave them in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. If the sauce thickens too much, I add a splash of beef broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, I can use homemade meatballs. I just make sure to fully cook them before adding to the Crock Pot or let them cook longer in the sauce if raw.
Is French onion soup mix the same as French onion soup?
No, the soup mix is dry and more concentrated. For this recipe, I use canned or homemade liquid French onion soup for a more authentic flavor and consistency.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Yes, I can simmer everything in a large pot over low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
What’s the best cheese to use?
I like provolone for its meltability and flavor, but Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella also work great for that classic French onion finish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often prepare it a day in advance and reheat it in the Crock Pot or on the stove. The flavors deepen even more after sitting overnight.
Conclusion
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are one of those easy, cozy meals I turn to when I want maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender meatballs and rich onion gravy is always a hit, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Whether I’m serving it for dinner, game night, or a casual gathering, this recipe never disappoints.
Print
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a rich, savory slow-cooked dish featuring frozen beef meatballs simmered in French onion soup and gravy, topped with melty cheese. Perfect for cozy dinners with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs frozen beef meatballs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
- 1 packet brown gravy mix or 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 6 slices provolone or Swiss cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Place frozen meatballs into the bottom of the Crock Pot.
- Pour in the French onion soup, sprinkle in the gravy mix or add beef broth, and add Worcestershire sauce.
- Stir everything together until combined.
- Layer sliced onion on top if using, then cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until meatballs are heated through and sauce is rich.
- Place cheese slices over the meatballs and let them melt before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice, or bread.
Notes
- Swap in turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter version.
- Add mushrooms or green beans for extra vegetables.
- Stir in a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes for a thicker sauce.
- For spice, add hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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