Dinner

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss Recipe

ByLily Monroe November 20, 2025November 20, 2025

Introduction

Crockpot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. With a rich broth and melty cheese topping, these meatballs are perfect for a cozy dinner that everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of six golden-brown meatballs arranged in a circular pattern inside a black skillet. Each meatball is covered with melted, slightly browned cheese that drapes down their sides, creating a creamy texture. Small green herb flakes are sprinkled over the meatballs and cheese, adding color contrast. The skillet holds a rich, orange-brown sauce that pools around the base of the meatballs, adding a glossy shine to the dish. The background is a white marbled texture, and natural light softly highlights the textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper using your hands. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 2: Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Rustic shapes are perfectly fine.
Step 3: Place the meatballs in the crockpot, layering them snugly as they will shrink during cooking.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and French onion soup mix. Pour this mixture over the meatballs until they are fully submerged.
Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, cover again, and allow the cheese to melt.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
Let the rolled meatballs rest for 10 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.
Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresh twist.
Include red pepper flakes with salt and pepper for a spicy kick.
Try swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the recipe gluten-free.
Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor variation.

Storage

Store cooled meatballs and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the crockpot or on the stovetop over low heat. Microwaving is also an option, but heat gently to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up shot of a white plate with a cluster of browned meatballs covered in melted white cheese that has a golden crust in some parts. The meatballs are topped with small green herb flakes, giving a fresh touch. The melted cheese is thick and oozes around the meatballs, creating a creamy shiny layer that contrasts with the darker, crispy edges of the meat. The background shows a white marbled texture softly blurred to keep the focus on the juicy meatballs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just increase the cooking time on low by about 1-2 hours to ensure they are heated through thoroughly.

What can I serve with Crockpot French Onion Meatballs?

They pair wonderfully with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or a fresh side salad. Roasted vegetables also make a great accompaniment.