Crock-Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
These Crock-Pot French Onion Meatballs offer a comforting and flavorful twist on classic meatballs, slow-cooked in a savory onion soup sauce and topped with melted cheese for a deliciously rich finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner or party appetizer, this easy recipe combines hearty meatballs with the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup, all made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
French Onion Sauce
- 1 package (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Prepare the Onion Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the onion soup mix and beef broth until well combined, ensuring the soup mix dissolves completely.
- Slow Cook the Meatballs: Place the meatballs evenly in the crock-pot. Pour the onion soup mixture over the meatballs, making sure they are mostly covered. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Add Cheese Topping: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs. Cover the crock-pot again and allow the cheese to melt, creating a bubbly, golden topping.
- Serve: Carefully scoop the meatballs with the onion sauce onto plates or a serving dish. Serve hot as a main dish accompanied by mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, caramelize onions separately and add them to the crock-pot.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
- Cheese options can be varied—Gruyere or provolone also pair well with French onion flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Crock-Pot meatballs, French onion meatballs, slow cooker recipes, easy meatballs, comfort food, party appetizers, beef meatballs, cheesy meatballs
