Name: Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486088H10M52S
Total time: PT-486088H10M52S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (32 oz) bag frozen meatballs (beef or turkey); 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 packet French onion soup mix; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are the perfect solution for a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself. With tender meatballs slowly simmered in a rich French onion sauce, this dish brings all the flavor of the classic soup in a satisfying, protein-packed form. It’s great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or as a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe blends simplicity with deep, comforting flavors. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so I can just toss everything in and let it cook while I go about my day. The French onion sauce becomes rich and savory, coating the meatballs in a luscious glaze that tastes like it simmered for hours. It’s incredibly versatile too—serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even a crusty baguette.

Ingredients

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

Frozen meatballs (beef or turkey work great)
Yellow onions, thinly sliced
Beef broth
French onion soup mix
Worcestershire sauce
Butter
Garlic, minced
Shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by slicing the onions thinly and sautéing them in butter in a skillet until they’re golden and caramelized—this builds a deep base flavor.
In the crock pot, I add the frozen meatballs, the cooked onions, beef broth, French onion soup mix, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
I cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and have soaked up all those rich flavors.
About 15 minutes before serving, I sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and let it melt into the sauce.
I garnish with chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 4–6 hours to cook on low (or 2–3 hours on high) in the crock pot.

Variations

I like switching things up by using turkey meatballs for a lighter version, or even making homemade meatballs if I have extra time. Sometimes I add mushrooms to the onions for extra depth, or stir in a splash of cream at the end for a richer sauce. If I want it spicier, a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot throughout. They also freeze well—just store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, I can absolutely use homemade meatballs—just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot.

Do I need to caramelize the onions first?

I highly recommend it. Caramelizing the onions adds so much flavor and really mimics that classic French onion taste.

What kind of cheese works best?

I prefer Gruyère or Swiss cheese for authenticity, but mozzarella or provolone also melt beautifully.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, if I’m short on time, cooking on high for 2–3 hours works well, though the flavors develop a bit more slowly on low.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be, if I use gluten-free meatballs and ensure the soup mix and broth are gluten-free too.

Conclusion

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a delicious and effortless way to bring gourmet flavor to my table with minimal work. With rich, savory sauce and melty cheese, it’s a dish that always satisfies—whether I’m serving it for dinner, meal prepping, or hosting friends. Once I try it, it’s bound to become a repeat favorite.