Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of meatballs simmering away in a rich broth, isn’t there? I remember the first time I tried French Onion Soup; it was a chilly evening, and a dear friend had invited me over. As I walked in, the scent wrapped around me like a warm blanket. Fast forward to today, and I’ve turned that love into something even cozier: Crockpot French Onion Meatballs! They’re easy to whip up and, let me tell you, they melt in your mouth. Less fuss, more flavor, and plenty of memories waiting to happen—what’s not to love?

Why you’ll adore this recipe

Let’s talk about what makes these meatballs a family favorite. First off, they’re a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy that deliciousness. The blend of savory beef and caramelized onions, infused with the magic of French onion soup mix, creates a flavor profile that dances on your taste buds. Each meatball is juicy, each bite is tender, and the whole experience is just heavenly.

What’s more? You can set it and forget it—pop everything in the crockpot, and let it work its magic while you carry on with your day. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Seriously, you’re not just making dinner; you’re crafting an experience that will fill your home with laughter and the mouthwatering scent of home-cooked love.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s get our pantry organized before we start the magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound ground beef: This is your foundation. Leaner ground beef works well, but I prefer a bit of fat for that juicy goodness.

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Think of these as the binding force. They keep the meatballs tender and help absorb all that flavor.

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The nutty, salty goodness of Parmesan gives these meatballs an irresistible edge. You can use Pecorino Romano if you want a sharper bite.

• 1 egg: This little guy acts as a binder to hold everything together.

• 1 onion, sliced: The star of the show! Caramelized onions bring in that deep, rich flavor you’re after. You can swap in sweet onions for a milder taste.

• 1 cup beef broth: A savory pool of flavor that helps keep your meatballs moist. Homemade is best, but store-bought works wonders too.

• 1 packet French onion soup mix: The secret weapon! This adds a robust depth of flavor. You could use a homemade mix if you’re feeling adventurous or if you’re avoiding preservatives.

• Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential, so don’t skimp!

• Chopped parsley for garnish: Adds that pop of color and freshness.

Preparing Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

Here’s where the fun begins! Ready your apron; let’s do this step by step.

1. Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands! It’s the best way to ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully.

2. Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter—perfect for popping in your mouth! Place the meatballs in the bottom of your crockpot.

3. Layer on the onions: Next, take those lovely sliced onions and spread them evenly over the meatballs. They will caramelize beautifully and add so much flavor.

4. Create the broth mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together your beef broth and French onion soup mix until it’s well blended. Then, pour this savory delight over the meatballs and onions.

5. Let it cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Your home is about to smell divine!

6. Garnish and serve: Once cooked, a sprinkle of chopped parsley not only brightens it up but adds a fresh kick.

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your kitchen smells like a bistro, let’s talk presentation! Serve these meatballs over a mound of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up that glorious broth. For a lighter option, try them on a bed of greens with a drizzle of vinaigrette. They also shine beautifully in a sub with melted cheese on top—think classic meatball sandwich, but with a French twist!

Storage and reheating tips

Storing these meatballs is a breeze. Just transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want to make them last a while longer? Freeze them! Just make sure they’re cooled completely before packing them in freezer-safe containers, and they can keep for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to keep them moist.

Pro chef tips

Here are a few insider secrets for success:

• For extra flavor depth, sauté the onions before adding them on top of the meatballs. That caramelization brings an extra layer of richness.

• Feel free to mix up the herbs—fresh thyme or rosemary can add a lovely fragrance.

• If you like a kick, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Flavor swaps

Feeling adventurous? Customize your meatballs! Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add in some finely chopped mushrooms, or experiment with different cheese varieties—imagine the creaminess of Gouda instead of Parmesan. You might even blend in diced jalapeños for a spicy flair. The sky’s the limit!

Ingredients list

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 packet French onion soup mix
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions to follow

1. In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Form mixture into meatballs and place them in the crockpot.
3. Layer sliced onions on top of the meatballs.
4. In a separate bowl, combine beef broth and French onion soup mix, then pour over the meatballs.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Your questions answered

• What can I serve with these meatballs? Absolutely! They go great with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a crisp green salad.

• Can I use a different protein? You can! Ground turkey or chicken will also work well.

• How long does it take to prep? About 15 minutes. It’s super simple!

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare everything the night before and just set it to cook in the morning.

• How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of beef broth to keep them moist.

Give this recipe a whirl, and I promise you’ll bring a little piece of happiness to your table. As the saying goes, the best memories are made around the table, and these Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are sure to be a hit. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy bringing this delight to life—your loved ones will thank you! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Print Recipe

0 Add to Favorites

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

Cooking Method: Simmering Courses: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food High Protein M Make Ahead Non Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 6-8 mins Rest Time 38 mins Total Time 59 mins

Cooking Temp: low  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 400

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are juicy and tender meatballs simmered in a rich broth flavored with French onion soup mix, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (leaner ground beef works well)
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs (acts as binding force)
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese (can use Pecorino Romano for sharper bite)
• 1 egg (acts as a binder)
• 1 onion, sliced (can swap in sweet onions)
• 1 cup beef broth (homemade is best)
• 1 packet French onion soup mix (adds depth of flavor)
• salt and pepper to taste (always essential)
• chopped parsley for garnish (adds freshness)

Directions

Preparation Steps

1. Mix Ingredients

   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
   Use your hands for the best results.
   Mark as complete

2. Shape Meatballs

   Form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place in the bottom of your crockpot.
   Mark as complete

3. Layer Onions

   Spread the sliced onions evenly over the meatballs.
   They will caramelize and enhance the flavors.
   Mark as complete

4. Mix Broth

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and French onion soup mix until well blended. Pour over the meatballs and onions.
   Mark as complete

5. Cook

   Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
   Enjoy the divine aroma while cooking.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
   They taste great over mashed potatoes or noodles.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 400kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 75mg25%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 25g9%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

---

Vitamin A 5 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 100 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 3 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0.2 mg

Niacin 5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.4 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 8 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.3 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Feel free to customize with different proteins or cheeses!

Keywords: French onion, meatballs, crockpot, easy dinner, comfort food