These slow-cooked French onion meatballs are cozy, savory, and simple to make. The meatballs soak up a rich, oniony broth while the mozzarella melts into gooey, golden pockets on top. You get tender beef, sweet caramelized onion flavor, and a bubbly cheese finish—perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd. If you want a hearty side, try pairing them with a mash recipe like beef meatballs with sweet potato mash for a comforting plate.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3.5 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 45 minutes (high)
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories per serving: 380 kcal
- Protein: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Why Make This Irresistible Crock Pot Beef French Onion Meatballs
These meatballs deliver big flavor with very little hands-on time. The French onion soup mix seasons the beef deeply, creating a sweet-savory aroma as it cooks. The slow cooker keeps the meat moist and tender, and melting mozzarella on top adds a creamy, stretchy finish. They smell like comfort and taste like a warm hug—rich beef, soft onion, and melty cheese in every bite. They are ideal for busy nights, casual gatherings, or when you want an easy dish that feels special.
How to Make Irresistible Crock Pot Beef French Onion Meatballs
This recipe is a simple three-part process: build the meatball mix, slow-cook gently, and finish with cheese and herbs. You can prep in 15 minutes, set the crock pot, and come back to an aromatic, ready-to-serve meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, French onion soup mix, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Use your hands or a spoon and try not to overwork the meat—gentle mixing keeps meatballs tender.
Step 2: Mixing
Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 1 to 1.25 inches each). Place the formed meatballs in the crock pot in a single layer or slightly stacked. Even sizes help them cook evenly.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour beef broth over the meatballs to add moisture and flavor. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The meatballs should be fully cooked through and tender. The broth will pick up onion flavor and become rich and savory.
Step 4: Finishing
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs and cover until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
How to Serve Irresistible Crock Pot Beef French Onion Meatballs
Serve these meatballs right from the crock pot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. They work well as sliders on small rolls for parties. Add a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal. For a casual dinner, place a few meatballs on a plate, spoon sauce over them, and top with extra parsley and a pinch of black pepper.
How to Store Irresistible Crock Pot Beef French Onion Meatballs
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between cycles.
Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Crock Pot Beef French Onion Meatballs
- Use evenly sized meatballs so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overmix the meat—overworking makes them dense. Mix until just combined.
- If you prefer firmer meatballs, brown them quickly in a skillet before adding to the crock pot. This step adds flavor but is optional.
- Taste the broth about halfway through cooking and adjust salt and pepper if needed. French onion mix can be salty.
- For richer flavor, use low-sodium beef broth and add salt as needed.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mix for depth.
- If sauce seems thin at the end, thicken it by whisking 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stirring into the crock pot; cook on high for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
Delicious Variations
- Swiss-style: Swap mozzarella for Swiss or Gruyère and top with toasted baguette slices for an open-faced, French onion meatball twist.
- Turkey or chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option; add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep meatballs moist.
- Italian: Replace French onion mix with Italian seasoning and garlic powder; add marinara in place of beef broth.
- Mushroom gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the crock pot with an extra 1/2 cup beef broth for an earthy sauce.
- Spicy: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them up to 24 hours before cooking. For longer storage, freeze raw meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Q: Do I need to brown the meatballs first?
A: No. Browning adds flavor and texture, but it is not required. The slow cooker will keep meatballs moist and tender without browning.
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes. Swiss, Gruyère, provolone, or a sharp cheddar all work. Choose a cheese that melts well for the best finish.
Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
A: Use an egg and breadcrumbs as binders and mix gently. Avoid over-handling the meat. If the mix feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.
Q: Is the cook time flexible for larger batches?
A: If you double the recipe, increase cook time slightly only if the crock pot is overfilled. Aim to keep the meatballs in a single layer or lightly stacked for even heat. Check internal temperature to ensure they reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef.
Q: Can I make this in the oven instead?
A: Yes. Place meatballs and a little broth in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–35 minutes until cooked through. Add cheese and broil briefly to melt.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Crock Pot Beef French Onion Meatballs recipe gives you tender, flavorful meatballs with a melty cheese finish and deep onion-soup flavor. They’re easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and hold up well for leftovers. For another take on hearty meatball meals, see this version of Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs – My Incredible Recipes. Give them a try—you’ll love the aroma and the cozy, savory taste.
Print
Irresistible Crock Pot Beef French Onion Meatballs
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Cozy and savory slow-cooked meatballs soaked in rich onion broth with gooey melted mozzarella—perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, French onion soup mix, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs (about 1 to 1.25 inches each) and place them in the crock pot.
- Pour beef broth over the meatballs and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until fully cooked and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meatballs and cover until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For firmer meatballs, brown them quickly in a skillet before adding to the crock pot. Use low-sodium beef broth for richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
