Name: Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups beef broth; 1 packet French onion soup mix; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Savory, tender, and full of rich flavor, these Crockpot French Onion Meatballs bring together hearty beef, aromatic onions, and gooey melted mozzarella in a broth that’s packed with cozy French onion soup vibes. This slow cooker dish is effortless to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when I want comfort food without the extra work. Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe combines simplicity with comfort. The meatballs come out juicy and flavorful, soaking up all the delicious French onion broth as they simmer slowly. Topping everything with melty mozzarella right before serving turns it into a comforting, cheesy delight. It’s a one-pot dish, which means easy cleanup—and it fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 packet French onion soup mix
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

I start by mixing ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until just combined.
Then I roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
I place the meatballs in the crockpot, layering them gently if needed.
In a separate bowl, I whisk together beef broth and the French onion soup mix, then pour it over the meatballs, making sure they’re nicely submerged.
I cover and cook them on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, depending on my schedule.
About 15 minutes before serving, I sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, cover the lid again, and let it melt into gooey perfection.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it ideal for a small family or for meal prepping a couple of days ahead. The prep time is 15 minutes, while cook time ranges from 3 to 8 hours depending on the crockpot setting. I usually go for the low and slow option when I have the time—it gives the best flavor and texture.

Variations

To make it spicy, I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap in spicy shredded cheese.
For a gluten-free version, I just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the soup mix is also gluten-free.
If I want a deeper onion flavor, I caramelize fresh onions and add them to the broth.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. I reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot all the way through. For longer storage, I freeze the cooked meatballs (without the cheese topping) for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat before sprinkling with mozzarella.

FAQs

What kind of ground meat can I use?

I usually go with ground beef, but ground turkey, chicken, or a blend of meats work just as well. Just adjust cooking time slightly if using leaner meats to avoid dryness.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge. In the morning, I just pop them into the crockpot and let it do the rest.

Do I need to brown the meatballs first?

Not for this recipe. I like the ease of dropping them in raw—they cook beautifully in the broth and stay moist. But if I want extra texture, I sometimes sear them before adding.

Can I use fresh onion instead of soup mix?

The soup mix adds lots of depth with minimal effort, but if I have the time, I sauté or caramelize onions and season the broth manually. It takes longer but delivers great flavor too.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

I usually serve them with crusty bread to soak up the broth. Mashed potatoes, rice, or even buttered noodles are also perfect sides that make it a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are my go-to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and low-effort. The slow cooker takes care of everything while I go about my day, and the end result is pure comfort in a bowl. Whether I’m feeding family or stocking up my freezer, this recipe never disappoints.