Looking for a hearty, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort? These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs combine tender, juicy meatballs with the rich, caramelized flavor of French onion soup, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a comforting weekend feast, this recipe delivers classic French onion taste in a fun, handheld format.
With a savory onion sauce and perfectly seasoned meatballs, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Serves 6–8
Meatballs:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (225g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
French Onion Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 6 hours on low (or 3 hours on high)
- Total time: Approximately 6–6.5 hours
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined, but do not overwork the meat to avoid dense meatballs.
- Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add thinly sliced onions and sugar. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden brown, about 15–20 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot
- Transfer caramelized onions to the slow cooker.
- Place meatballs on top of the onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour over the meatballs.
Step 4: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3 hours, until meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Taste sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve meatballs with the rich French onion sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread.
- Optional: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
- Serve alongside a green salad for a balanced meal.
- Great for meal prep—store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in individual portions for quick future meals.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 4 meatballs with sauce) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Protein | 28 grams |
| Total Fat | 24 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 10 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Sugars | 5 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 680 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Ground beef and pork provide high-quality protein and rich flavor.
- Caramelized onions add natural sweetness and fiber.
- Beef broth and seasonings create a low-carb, savory sauce with depth.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a combination of beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
- Caramelize onions slowly for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Avoid overfilling the slow cooker; meatballs should sit in a single layer for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding to the crock pot (optional).
Variations to Try
- Turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option.
- Add mushrooms to the onion sauce for extra umami.
- Sprinkle Gruyère or Swiss cheese on top before serving for a French onion twist.
- Serve as sliders on buns with a little sauce for casual entertaining.
These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs offer a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Juicy meatballs paired with a rich French onion sauce create a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly aromatic. With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, this recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights or weekend dinners with family and friends.