Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. Combining savory meatballs with rich French onion soup creates a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

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, onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Step 2: Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Step 3: Place the meatballs in the crockpot in a single layer if possible.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix beef broth and French onion soup mix until combined. Pour this mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot.
5. Step 5: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, cover again, and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the chopped onion before mixing it into the meatball mixture.
• Try using a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a juicier texture.
• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or toasted baguette slices to soak up the sauce.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a bright boost of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs in their sauce for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just increase the cooking time to ensure they heat through completely, about 1-2 hours longer on low.

Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes. Pour the broth and soup mix over the meatballs before baking, and add the cheese during the last 10 minutes.

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

These Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef meatballs slow-cooked in a savory French onion soup broth and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that yields rich, hearty flavors ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) plus 15 minutes for cheese melting
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• 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 (about 1.25 ounces)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed.
2. Form the meatballs: Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter for even cooking.
3. Place meatballs in crockpot: Arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer inside the crockpot to ensure even cooking.
4. Mix the broth and soup mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and the packet of French onion soup mix until fully combined.
5. Pour sauce over meatballs: Carefully pour the beef broth and soup mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot, covering them evenly.
6. Cook the meatballs: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
7. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the cooked meatballs and cover the crockpot again.
8. Melt the cheese: Continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes on low or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• For best flavor, use fresh grated Parmesan and freshly shredded mozzarella cheese.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but cooking times may vary slightly.
• If you don’t have a crockpot, this recipe can be adapted to a low oven bake covered in a covered baking dish at 300°F for 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Serve with crusty bread or over egg noodles for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: crockpot meatballs, French onion meatballs, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, easy dinner