French Onion Meatballs Crockpot

This hearty Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe brings together tender meatballs soaked in rich French onion broth, making it the perfect comfort food after a busy day. It’s effortlessly made in the slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully. The melted mozzarella on top adds a creamy finish that everyone will love.

I first tried this when I was craving something cozy but easy on a chilly evening. Now it’s a favorite comfort meal that my entire family requests regularly for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• Frozen beef homestyle meatballs: 24 ounce bag for convenience and consistent texture
• Low sodium French Onion Soup: 10.5 ounce can to keep flavors balanced without overwhelming salt
• French onion soup mix: One packet to amp up that classic onion soup taste
• Low sodium beef broth: One cup brings more richness to the sauce without making it salty
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: One cup for a creamy, melty topping everyone loves
• Fresh thyme or parsley: Optional but adds a bright herbal note and pretty garnish
• Cornstarch slurry: Optional thickening with 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water for a luscious gravy finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Spoon the Meatballs into the Crock Pot:

Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of a 4 to 6 quart crock pot. This helps them cook evenly and soak up the flavors.

Add the French Onion Soup:

Pour the entire 10.5 ounce can of French Onion Soup over the meatballs, covering them as much as possible to infuse flavor.

Sprinkle Soup Mix and Pour Broth:

Evenly sprinkle the packet of French onion soup mix over the top. Then pour the one cup of beef broth on top to create a rich cooking liquid.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. The slow cooking tenderizes the meatballs while blending the flavors beautifully.

Make the Gravy Thicker if Desired:

If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the crock pot, stir gently, cover again, and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the meatballs. Cover and cook until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Garnish and Serve:

Optionally sprinkle fresh thyme or parsley just before serving. This dish is delicious over mashed potatoes or egg noodles with a side of green beans.

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The French onion soup mix is my secret weapon here – it’s packed with savory onion and beef flavor that elevates the meatballs beyond ordinary. One family memory I cherish is how these meatballs magically turned a hectic weekday dinner into a cozy gathering where everyone lingered around the table, savoring every bite.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to keep the sauce from separating. These meatballs also freeze well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want to make this vegetarian, substitute the meatballs for plant-based options and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can swap mozzarella for provolone or Swiss cheese for a slightly different but still melty topping. Using homemade French onion soup or broth enhances the flavors even more.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious onion gravy. Egg noodles tossed in butter or garlic green beans make excellent side dishes. A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette will cut through the richness nicely.

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Cultural Context

French onion soup originated in France as a humble, rustic soup made from caramelized onions and beef broth topped with bread and melted cheese. This recipe puts a fun spin on that classic by combining it with flavorful meatballs and slow cooking for convenience and heartiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, homemade meatballs work great and add a personal touch. Just make sure they’re cooked through during the slow cooking process.

→ How can I thicken the broth for a richer sauce?

Mix 2 tablespoons of corn starch with ¼ cup water to create a slurry, then stir it into the broth near the end of cooking. Let it cook an additional 10 minutes to thicken.

→ What are good side dishes to pair with these meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed green beans complement the rich, savory meatballs nicely.

→ Is it better to cook on low or high temperature?

Cooking on low for 5-6 hours infuses deeper flavors, though high for 2-3 hours also produces tender meatballs.

→ Can I substitute the French onion soup mix with something else?

You can use beefy onion soup mix or add extra herbs like thyme and onion powder to mimic the flavor intensity.