Slow Cooker French Onion Glazed Meatballs are a rich, savory dish that blends tender meatballs with the deep, caramelized flavor of French onion soup, all slow-cooked to perfection. I love how the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze that coats every bite, turning a simple dish into something incredibly satisfying and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I make this recipe when I want something warm, flavorful, and hands-off. The slow cooker does all the work, giving me tender meatballs infused with bold onion flavor. It’s great for serving at gatherings or as a no-fuss weeknight dinner. Whether I serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or tucked into a hoagie roll, it always delivers comfort in every bite.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Frozen or homemade cooked meatballs
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French onion soup (condensed or homemade)
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Beef broth
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Worcestershire sauce
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (optional for topping)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Salt and pepper to taste
directions
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I place the meatballs into the slow cooker.
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In a bowl, I whisk together French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
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I pour the mixture over the meatballs and stir to coat everything evenly.
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I cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, letting the flavors fully develop.
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Just before serving, I sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover, and let it melt for about 10 minutes.
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I finish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 10 minutes of prep, with a cook time of 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the slow cooker.
Variations
Sometimes I use turkey or plant-based meatballs when I want a lighter option. For a creamier version, I stir in a little sour cream at the end. If I’m serving it on rolls, I toast them with a bit of garlic butter for extra flavor. I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms for an earthier twist.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm them in a pot over low heat until heated through. These meatballs also freeze well — I just cool them completely before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes, I often use homemade ones — just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker.
What kind of French onion soup works best?
I usually use condensed canned soup for ease, but homemade French onion soup works great too if I have extra time.
Do I need to brown the meatballs first?
If they’re already cooked (frozen or homemade), there’s no need to brown. If they’re raw, I always cook them first to avoid grease in the sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — I’ve added sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even baby spinach in the last hour of cooking.
What do I serve these with?
I like them over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or in toasted sandwich rolls with melted cheese for a French onion sub.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker French Onion Glazed Meatballs are an effortless way to bring deep, rich flavor to the table with minimal work. I love how tender and flavorful they turn out every time. Whether for a comforting family meal or a party appetizer, they always disappear fast — and for good reason.
Print
Slow Cooker French Onion Glazed Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Slow Cooker French Onion Glazed Meatballs are a savory, comforting dish featuring tender meatballs slow-cooked in a rich French onion glaze, perfect for easy dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs frozen or cooked homemade meatballs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup (condensed or homemade)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place meatballs into the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together French onion soup, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pour the mixture over the meatballs and stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs about 10 minutes before serving, then cover to melt.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use turkey or plant-based meatballs for a lighter version.
- Stir in sour cream at the end for a creamy variation.
- Serve in toasted hoagie rolls with garlic butter for French onion subs.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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