Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs
Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs: A Cozy, Cheesy Comfort Dish
If you love the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup, you’re going to fall in love with these Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs! These tender, juicy meatballs are simmered in a slow-cooked onion gravy and topped with melted, gooey cheese—the perfect cozy, comforting meal.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer, over mashed potatoes, or in a sub sandwich, these French onion meatballs are always a crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs
✔ Easy & Hands-Free – The slow cooker does all the work!
✔ Rich, Savory Flavor – Deep caramelized onions & melted cheese.
✔ Juicy & Tender – The meatballs soak up all the delicious broth.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Even better the next day!
✔ Perfect for Parties or Dinner – Serve as appetizers, over rice, or on sandwiches.
The Best Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs Recipe
This easy recipe creates deep, rich flavors without the extra effort.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground BEEF
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the French Onion Sauce:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
- 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss/Mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, sprinkle with brown sugar, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until deep golden brown.
- Stir in garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute, then transfer onions to the slow cooker.
2. Make the Meatballs
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 20 meatballs).
- Brown them in a skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side (optional but adds extra flavor!).
3. Slow Cook Everything Together
- Add browned meatballs to the slow cooker with the onions.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
4. Thicken the Sauce & Add Cheese
- In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the broth.
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top and cover until melted.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
- Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over egg noodles!
Tips for the Best French Onion Meatballs
✅ Caramelize the onions well – They add the best deep, rich flavor.
✅ Use a mix of ground meats – Beef + pork = super juicy meatballs.
✅ Brown the meatballs first – It locks in flavor and prevents them from falling apart.
✅ For extra cheesy goodness – Broil with cheese for 2 minutes before serving.
✅ Let the slow cooker do the work – The longer it simmers, the better the flavors!
Variations & Customizations
Want to switch things up? Try these delicious variations!
1. French Onion Meatball Subs 🥖
🥖 Serve on toasted hoagie rolls with extra cheese for a gooey sandwich!
2. Keto & Low-Carb Version 🥦
🌱 Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and serve over cauliflower mash.
3. Mushroom French Onion Meatballs 🍄
🍄 Add sautéed mushrooms to the slow cooker for extra umami flavor.
4. Instant Pot Version ⏳
🔥 Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release.
5. Spicy French Onion Meatballs 🌶
🌶 Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick!
What to Serve with French Onion Meatballs
These cheesy, oniony meatballs pair perfectly with:
🥖 Toasted French Bread – Soaks up all that rich broth!
🥔 Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort side.
🍝 Over Pasta or Egg Noodles – Makes a hearty meal.
🫑 Steamed Veggies – Balance the richness with something light.
🥗 Crisp Green Salad – A refreshing side dish.
How to Store & Reheat
These slow cooker meatballs taste even better the next day!
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low with a splash of broth until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
- Freeze cooked meatballs (without cheese) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a slow cooker or on the stove.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate French Onion Meatballs
These Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs are rich, cheesy, and packed with deep caramelized onion flavor. Whether you serve them as a party appetizer, cozy dinner, or in a sub sandwich, they’re guaranteed to impress.
🔥 Try them today and enjoy a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth meal! 🔥
Print
Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs
This easy recipe creates deep, rich flavors without the extra effort.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork (or use all beef)
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the French Onion Sauce:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (to help caramelize the onions)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)
- 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese (or Swiss/Mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
- In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, sprinkle with brown sugar, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until deep golden brown.
- Stir in garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute, then transfer onions to the slow cooker.
2. Make the Meatballs
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Roll into 1 ½-inch meatballs (about 20 meatballs).
- Brown them in a skillet with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side (optional but adds extra flavor!).
3. Slow Cook Everything Together
- Add browned meatballs to the slow cooker with the onions.
- Pour in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
4. Thicken the Sauce & Add Cheese
- In the last 30 minutes, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker to thicken the broth.
- Sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top and cover until melted.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
- Pair with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or over egg noodles!
Notes
Tips for the Best French Onion Meatballs
✅ Caramelize the onions well – They add the best deep, rich flavor.
✅ Use a mix of ground meats – Beef + pork = super juicy meatballs.
✅ Brown the meatballs first – It locks in flavor and prevents them from falling apart.
✅ For extra cheesy goodness – Broil with cheese for 2 minutes before serving.
✅ Let the slow cooker do the work – The longer it simmers, the better the flavors!
