Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

This easy Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe brings all the warmth and hearty flavor of French onion soup into a simple slow cooker meal. It is perfect when you want a comforting dish with minimal effort and maximum taste. Just toss everything in the crock pot and come back to a rich onion broth topped with gooey melted mozzarella cheese over tender meatballs. Whether for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers cozy satisfaction without the fuss.

I first made these during a hectic week and loved how the crock pot did all the work. Now they have become a goto dinner that lights up busy days with familiar cozy flavors my whole family adores.

Ingredients

• Frozen beef homestyle meatballs: choose a quality brand for tender, flavorful meatballs that hold up well in slow cooking
• Low or no sodium beef broth: prevents the dish from becoming overly salty while contributing rich savory depth
• French onion soup mix: the key to that classic French onion soup aroma and taste try homemade mix if you want to control salt content
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully on top providing creamy, gooey texture gruyere is a great alternative for more complexity
• Cornstarch: used to thicken the broth creating a perfect gravy consistency
• Water: to make the cornstarch slurry for thickening
• Fresh thyme (optional): adds a fragrant herbal note as garnish and brightens the presentation

Instructions

Add the Meatballs:

Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of a 4 to 6 quart crock pot. This ensures even cooking and the best coverage from the broth.

Pour in the French Onion Soup:

Open a can of French onion soup and pour it evenly over the meatballs, letting the savory onion broth start to infuse the meat.

Sprinkle Soup Mix:

Evenly sprinkle the beefy French onion soup mix on top of the meatballs and broth to layer in extra onion flavor and seasoning.

Add the Beef Broth:

Pour in one cup of low or no sodium beef broth carefully over the meatballs and soup mix. This liquid base will develop the rich slow-cooked broth.

Cover and Cook:

Set the crock pot to high heat and cook for 2 to 3 hours or on low heat for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cook time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the meatballs to soak up the onion broth.

Make Cornstarch Slurry:

In a small bowl, mix together the water and cornstarch until smooth. This slurry will help thicken the broth into a luscious sauce.

Add Slurry and Stir:

Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot and stir thoroughly to combine it with the broth and meatballs. This step helps create a thicker, gravy like consistency.

Cook a Little Longer:

Cover the crock pot again and cook for an additional 10 minutes on high to let the sauce thicken properly.

Add Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meatballs. Cover the crock pot and continue cooking until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and gooey.

Serve Hot:

Once the cheese is melted, your Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are ready to serve. They taste amazing over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, paired with green beans or a fresh salad.

My favorite ingredient is definitely the French onion soup mix. It transforms simple meatballs into a rich, soul-warming meal in the easiest way possible. One of my fondest memories with this dish was sharing it on a rainy Sunday with friends, everyone crowding around with bowls full of cheesy meatballs and crusty bread.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, microwave gently or warm on the stovetop until hot throughout. Though freezing leftovers is an option, keep in mind the mozzarella might not stay quite as creamy after thawing but will still be delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try turkey or chicken meatballs if you prefer a lighter protein, just ensure they are fully cooked before adding. Gruyere or fontina cheese can replace mozzarella for different flavor profiles. If you cannot find French onion soup mix, you can use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and beef bouillon to mimic the taste.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs shine when served over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up the flavorful broth. A side of steamed green beans or a crisp green salad balances the richness beautifully. Warm, crusty dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce on your plate.

This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe is an easy, comforting weeknight meal that requires minimal prep. It’s great for feeding a crowd or saving for later.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use homemade meatballs instead?

Yes, homemade meatballs work well if they are nearly fully cooked before adding to the slow cooker to prevent breaking apart or excess grease.

→ Are Italian meatballs a good substitute?

Homestyle meatballs are preferred as Italian seasonings may clash with the other flavors, but in a pinch, Italian varieties can work.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, dinner rolls, or egg noodles to complement the rich broth and cheese.

→ How salty is the dish usually?

Using low or no sodium broth and soup mix is recommended to prevent excessive saltiness, allowing better flavor balance.

→ Do the meatballs need thawing before cooking?

No thawing needed; frozen meatballs can be added directly to the slow cooker for convenience.

→ Can I add extra ingredients for texture?

Sliced mushrooms and fresh onions can be stirred in for additional texture and umami depth.

→ Is it possible to cook longer than 4 hours?

Yes, cooking on low up to 6 hours is fine since meatballs are already cooked; this mainly enhances flavor infusion.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently by microwave or stovetop. Freezing is possible but may alter cheese texture slightly.