Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup transformed into a comforting meal! These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs deliver deep, caramelized onion sweetness combined with tender, juicy meatballs. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, whether you need a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Get ready for an effortlessly delicious dish that everyone will adore.

Why You’ll Love These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

You’ll quickly fall in love with this incredible Crockpot French Onion Meatballs recipe for many reasons:

• Easy, Minimal Prep: Simply combine ingredients in your slow cooker for a hands-off experience.
• Hearty, Comforting Flavors: The rich, savory sauce and tender meatballs create pure comfort food bliss.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Serve them as an appetizer for parties or as a satisfying family dinner.
• Delicious, Crowd-Pleasing Taste: The French onion flavor is universally loved and always a hit.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable Crockpot French Onion Meatballs:

• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 26 ounces frozen meatballs (beef, pork, or mixed)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 ounce package brown gravy mix
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated

Notes & Substitutions

Homemade Meatballs: You can use homemade meatballs, but sear them first for better texture and to prevent them from breaking apart in the slow cooker.

Onions: The slow cooker beautifully caramelizes the thinly sliced onions over time, infusing the sauce with their sweet, savory essence. For more on this process, see how a slow cooker can achieve perfectly caramelized onions.

Broth: Using low-sodium beef broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish to your preference.

Gravy Mix: If you don’t have gravy mix, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of sugar can add savory depth.

Thyme: Thyme not only adds a wonderful aromatic flavor but also offers various potential health benefits due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Feel free to substitute dried rosemary or a blend of Italian seasoning for dried thyme.

Vinegar: White wine vinegar adds a crucial tangy counterpoint. Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can also work.

Cheese: Swiss, provolone, or mozzarella are excellent meltable cheese alternatives to Gruyère.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make these fantastic meatballs:

• 6-quart slow cooker: Ideal size for this recipe.
• Whisk: For blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Medium bowl: To combine the sauce mixture.
• Small bowl: For preparing the cornstarch slurry.

Instructions

Creating these amazing Crockpot French Onion Meatballs is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps:

• First, place the thinly sliced yellow onions in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. A liner or cooking spray can make clean-up easier.
• Next, carefully pour the frozen meatballs over the layer of onions in the slow cooker. Distribute them evenly.
• In a medium bowl, add the beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar. Whisk these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and smooth.
• Pour the whisked sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs and onions in the slow cooker. Ensure everything is well coated.
• Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours, or set it to low for 5 to 6 hours. Cook until the meatballs are heated through and the onions are tender.
• Once cooking time is nearly complete, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup of water until there are no lumps.
• Stir the cornstarch slurry into the meatballs and sauce mixture in the slow cooker until it is well combined. This will help thicken the sauce.
• Finally, sprinkle the grated Gruyère cheese evenly over the top of the meatballs.
• Cover the slow cooker again and cook for another ten minutes, or until the Gruyère cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
• Serve your hot and delicious Crockpot French Onion Meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes, and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Prevent Dry Meatballs: If your slow cooker runs hot, use a programmable slow cooker to prevent overcooking. Cooking on low often yields juicier results.
• Achieve Perfect Sauce: For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch slurry. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth.
• Caramelized Onions: Don’t skip the onions! Their slow cooking process is crucial for the signature French onion flavor in these delicious slow cooker meatballs.
• Flavor Depth: If using fresh meatballs, lightly browning them in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
• Serving Presentation: For extra crispy, golden-brown cheese, carefully transfer the cheesy meatballs to an oven-safe dish and broil for 1-2 minutes just before serving.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Pair these flavorful Crockpot French Onion Meatballs with comforting sides. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or tender egg noodles for a hearty meal. As an appetizer, skewer them with toothpicks for easy grabbing. Don’t forget some crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into that amazing sauce. Complement your meal with roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Crockpot French Onion Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. For reheating, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Variations

Experiment with your slow cooker French onion meatballs! Try different meatball types like turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also make a vegetarian version using plant-based meatballs. Enhance the dish by adding sliced mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions.

Nutrition

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. It can vary significantly based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use, especially with frozen meatballs and gravy mixes. If you are following a specific diet, consider calculating the nutritional value with your exact ingredients.

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

A hearty and easy slow cooker recipe for French Onion Meatballs, combining savory frozen meatballs with a rich onion gravy, topped with melted gruyere cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, served over rice or mashed potatoes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 500

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium yellow onions sliced
• 26 ounces frozen meatballs
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 ounce Package brown gravy mix
• 2 teaspoons garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 1½ cups gruyere cheese grated

Equipment

• Crock Pot
• Medium Bowl
• Small Bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

Instructions

1. Arrange sliced onions at the bottom of a crock pot, then add frozen meatballs on top.
2. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, gravy mix, garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar; pour this mixture over the meatballs.
3. Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 2.5-3.5 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours.
4. Whisk cornstarch and water, then stir into the meatballs. Top with gruyere cheese and cook for another ten minutes until melted.
5. Serve the meatballs hot over rice or mashed potatoes.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider caramelizing the onions slightly before adding them to the crockpot, though it adds to the prep time. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry at the end.

FAQ

Can I use fresh meatballs?
Absolutely! If using fresh meatballs, consider searing them briefly in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps them hold their shape and adds extra flavor.

Do I have to caramelize the onions first?
No, you don’t need to caramelize the onions beforehand for these Crockpot French Onion Meatballs. The slow cooking process will naturally soften and sweeten them beautifully in the sauce.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, ensure you’ve added the cornstarch slurry as instructed. If it’s still not thick enough, you can add another small slurry made with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water, then cook for 15-20 more minutes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker, then add the cheese just before serving.

What other cheeses work besides Gruyère?
Swiss, provolone, or even a good quality white cheddar will melt beautifully and offer a delicious alternative to Gruyère cheese.

Conclusion

These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a true testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. This recipe combines the comforting essence of French onion soup with the ultimate convenience of your slow cooker. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a get-together, these easy slow cooker meatballs promise to be a hit. We encourage you to try this delightful dish soon. Share your experience and let us know how much you loved this recipe in the comments below!