Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Tender meatballs simmer in a rich French onion soup sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs and place them in the crockpot in a single layer if possible.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth and French onion soup mix until well combined, then pour the mixture evenly over the meatballs.
4. Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, cover again, and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Serve hot, spooning the flavorful French onion sauce over the meatballs.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for extra juiciness and flavor.
• For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium beef broth and reduce added salt.
• Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the meatball mixture for an herby twist.
• Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs—just add extra cooking time in the crockpot, typically an additional 1 to 2 hours on low.

What can I substitute for the French onion soup mix?

If you don’t have French onion soup mix, try combining dried onion flakes, beef bouillon granules, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sugar as a homemade alternative.

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 73 reviews

These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs offer a hearty, comforting meal perfect for busy days. Ground beef meatballs are simmered slowly in a rich mixture of beef broth and French onion soup mix, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Topping

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 packet French onion soup mix (approximately 1 oz)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
2. Form the meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, to ensure uniform cooking.
3. Place meatballs in the crockpot: Arrange the meatballs in a single layer inside the crockpot for even cooking.
4. Mix and add the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth with the French onion soup mix until fully dissolved. Pour this mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot.
5. Cook the meatballs: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking method allows flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
6. Add the cheese topping: Approximately 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs. Cover and continue cooking until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Notes

• For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
• Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
• You can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.
• Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, noodles, or in toasted sub rolls as a sandwich.

Keywords: Crockpot, French Onion, Meatballs, Slow Cooker, Comfort Food, Beef, Easy Dinner