If you love the rich, savory flavor of classic French onion soup and the satisfying comfort of tender meatballs, this recipe is your dream dinner. These Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs are an effortless way to bring bold flavors to the table with minimal prep. Simmered in a slow cooker with sweet caramelized onions and a beefy broth, they’re ideal for cozy nights, entertaining, or even meal prepping.
Serve them on a platter with toothpicks as an elegant appetizer, or pile them high over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or a toasted hoagie roll for a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Hands-off slow cooker magic
- Sweet caramelized onions + rich gravy = flavor explosion
- Versatile – Serve as a main course or crowd-pleasing appetizer
- Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
- Family-friendly comfort food that’s easy to scale up
Ingredients 🛒
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet French onion soup mix
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the onion gravy:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Ingredient Tips & Substitutions
- Soup Mix: Use a classic French onion soup mix like Lipton’s.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or seasoned breadcrumbs work great.
- Cheese: Swap Parmesan for Romano or Gruyère for a deeper flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
- Ground meat options: Turkey or chicken works if you prefer a lighter version.
Step-by-Step Directions 👩🍳
1️⃣ Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, soup mix, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and Parmesan. Form into uniform meatballs (about 1½-inch size).
2️⃣ Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs until browned on all sides (no need to fully cook through). Transfer to your slow cooker.
3️⃣ Caramelize the Onions
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Cook over medium heat for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant. Layer them over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
4️⃣ Build the Gravy
Whisk together beef broth and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the meatballs and onions.
5️⃣ Let It Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- On LOW for 6–8 hours
- Or on HIGH for 3–4 hours
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh thyme and serve hot!
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are super versatile! Try them:
- Over mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles
- On toasted hoagie rolls with melty cheese for a French Onion Meatball Sub
- With a crusty baguette and a simple salad
- As a hearty party appetizer with toothpicks and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more comforting crowd-pleasers? Try these next:
- These Easy Turkey Wings
- Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo
- Dorito Casserole
- Walking Taco Bar
- Instant Pot Lasagna
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze meatballs and sauce in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
These Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs are one of those recipes that just feels right no matter the occasion—easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and always comforting. The combo of caramelized onions and juicy meatballs is basically irresistible.
💬 Try them out and let me know what you think! Drop a comment, tag us on social @chefmaniac, and don’t forget to share with someone who loves a good meatball!
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