So, what exactly are Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs? Sounds fancy, right? But it’s really just comfort food magic in a bowl! Imagine tender, juicy meatballs infused with the rich flavor of French onion soup, slow-cooked to perfection until every bite melts in your mouth. It’s basically the best parts of French onion soup and homemade meatballs all rolled into one!
They say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this savory recipe might just win hearts at your dinner table. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or looking for something new to spice up your weeknight meals, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!
What is Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs?
These aren’t just any meatballs—Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are the ultimate marriage of comfort food and French bistro elegance. Juicy homemade meatballs are simmered in a rich, savory broth inspired by French onion soup, then optionally topped with gooey melted cheese for an irresistible finish.
Think of them as the hearty, slow-cooked cousin of your favorite pub-style meatballs—just dressed up with an extra boost of flavor. They’re everything you love about French onion soup but in meatball form. Sound like a dinner dream? It is!
Why You’ll Love This
Incredible Depth of Flavor
Slow-cooked in savory broth, these meatballs soak up all the rich, caramelized onion notes you love from classic French onion soup. Add a sprinkle of cheese, and you’ve got all the comforting flavors in one bite-sized masterpiece.
Budget-Friendly Comfort
Making these meatballs from scratch is far more cost-effective than ordering takeout. Plus, chances are you already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge!
Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing
Whether topped with melty mozzarella, served over mashed potatoes, or scooped onto garlic bread, you can personalize this recipe to match your cravings. If you’re a fan of hearty meals like our Beef Stroganoff, you’ll appreciate this savory twist on a classic.
So go ahead and add this one to your recipe box—it’s a keeper!
How to Make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Quick Overview
This slow cooker recipe is as simple as it gets. With only 15 minutes of prep, the rest of the magic happens in your Crock Pot. It’s the ultimate stress-free dinner for busy weekdays or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few pantry staples and some ground beef to get started:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup French onion soup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Base
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, French onion soup, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until just mixed—don’t overwork it. - Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield around 20–24 meatballs. - Add to Slow Cooker
Gently place the meatballs into your Crock Pot. It’s okay if they touch—they’ll firm up and hold shape while cooking. - Pour Extra Soup
If you have remaining French onion soup, pour it over the top for extra moisture and flavor. - Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked through. - Top with Cheese (Optional)
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Cover again and allow the cheese to melt for that perfect cheesy finish.
What to Serve with Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
These meatballs are super versatile! Try pairing them with:
- Mashed potatoes – the ultimate creamy base
- Buttered egg noodles or rice – simple, satisfying options
- Crisp green salad – for a refreshing contrast
- Roasted green beans or carrots – for a colorful veggie side
- Crusty baguette or garlic toast – perfect for soaking up the savory juices
And for drinks? A smooth red wine like Merlot or a sparkling apple cider makes the perfect finishing touch.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
- Try Different Proteins: Ground turkey or chicken works well too—just amp up the seasoning to compensate for the leaner meat.
- Don’t Overcook: Even in the Crock Pot, meatballs can dry out if left too long. Add extra broth during cooking if needed to keep things moist.
- Uniform Size Matters: Roll your meatballs evenly so they cook at the same rate and soak up flavor uniformly.
- Add More Onion: Want even more French onion flavor? Add sliced onions or caramelized onions into the Crock Pot for extra texture and richness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 3 months. Let them cool before packing to prevent freezer burn.
- Reheat: Microwave individual servings or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth for best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes! Frozen meatballs work perfectly—just add 1 extra hour to the cook time if placing them in straight from the freezer.
What kind of French onion soup should I use?
Any kind will do—boxed, canned, or homemade. Just make sure it’s seasoned to your liking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and shape the meatballs the night before and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook.
Conclusion
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs combine all the savory richness of a classic French soup with the heartiness of homemade meatballs. This slow-cooked comfort food is perfect for cozy nights in, easy weeknight meals, or even a family gathering. With bold flavor, simple ingredients, and zero fuss, it’s sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
So, dust off that Crock Pot, stock up on onions and cheese, and get ready for a dinner that’s bound to earn rave reviews. Bon appétit!
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 cup French Onion Soup
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Optional Topping
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese For topping, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, French onion soup, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Place the meatballs in the Crock Pot snugly.
- Pour any remaining French onion soup over the meatballs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- If using, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs about 10 minutes before serving and cover until melted.
2 comments
Sounds great. I’d like to make this but do you use actual soup to meatballs or dry soup mix
I ended up with boiled hamburger. This was disgusting. The recipe ingredients states 1 cup FOS mix. So I bought the packets and was only going to make a cup of soup. Then in the process you state to pour remaining soup in the crockpot. If you only call for 1c of soup for the meatball mix, how are you supposed to have leftover. So I made the rest of the packet and poured it in. I should have known better. But I figured you knew what you were talking about. And even if it weren’t for the boiling part, the meat had little to no flavor. Absolutely awful. I love the idea so I’ll try one of the other recipes online.