Slow cooker French onion meatballs combine the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup with tender meatballs—and they only need 5 ingredients to make magic happen. This is a dinner that practically makes itself!
My favorite part of this dish is the gravy that develops as it cooks. As the onions slowly caramelize in the slow cooker, they create a deep, rich sauce that turns frozen meatballs into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. You’ll want to soak up every last drop with mashed potatoes or a piece of crusty bread.
This recipe is perfect for chaotic weeks when your schedule looks like a game of Tetris. Thanks to the magic of your slow cooker, it is “set it and forget it” level easy. Between work deadlines and after-school activities, you just need to find 5 minutes to throw dinner in the Crock Pot!
If you’ve been hesitant about slow cooker recipes because they sometimes lack flavor, this one will change your mind. These meatballs develop a rich, French bistro-worthy sauce that’s anything but boring.
Let me show you how to put this effortless dinner together, including my best tips. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this is comfort food at its most convenient.
Looking for more easy slow cooker dinner ideas? Try slow cooker chicken taco soup, slow cooker turkey a la king, or slow cooker tater tot casserole.
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🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Frozen meatballs: No need to thaw them first.
- Onion
- French onion soup: Grab a 10.5-ounce can of your favorite brand.
- Lipton French onion soup mix
- Shredded cheese: Gruyere is the classic for French onion soup, but you can use whatever melty cheese you like best.
🥣How to Make French Onion Meatballs
- Dump the frozen meatballs into your slow cooker. No need to thaw them first.
- Slice up your onion and add it to the slow cooker.
- Pour the can of French onion soup over the meatballs and onions, then sprinkle the Lipton soup mix over the top. Stir to make sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Put the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- When the cooking time is up, remove the lid and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meatballs. Put the lid back on and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melty and gooey.
🍴Serving Ideas
These French onion meatballs are so versatile you’ll want to try them in many different ways! They work well both as an appetizer and as a main course.
For a hearty and satisfying meal, serve the meatballs over a bed of egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. The rich, oniony sauce is perfect for spooning over your favorite starch.
Or grab some soft hoagie rolls or crusty French bread and make meatball subs! Toast the bread, then pile on the meatballs and spoon some of that delicious sauce over the top.
These meatballs are perfect for parties or game day gatherings. Just stick a toothpick in each one and serve them up on a big platter. Your guests will love the bite-sized portions and the savory French onion flavor.
If you want to lighten things up, serve the meatballs over a bed of steamed or roasted vegetables. The sauce goes well with green beans, broccoli, or a simple side salad.
💭How to Store
Transfer the cooled meatballs and sauce to an airtight container. Pop the container in the fridge, where the meatballs will keep for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just scoop out as many as you need and warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop.
If you want to save your leftovers longer, you can freeze the meatballs. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and pop them in the freezer, where they’ll keep for up to three months.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- Look for a good brand of frozen meatballs. I like the ones that are all beef with no fillers. The recipe is all about convenience, but quality still matters.
- If you have the time and inclination, you can make your own meatballs from scratch. Brown them in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker so they hold their shape during cooking.
- Try adding extra seasonings to the gravy before cooking. A sprinkle of garlic powder, fresh thyme, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce can add a nice depth of flavor.
- You can double the recipe if you feed a crowd or host a party.
- Some people like their meatballs extra saucy. If this is you, add a second can of French onion soup to the crock pot so there is lots and lots of gravy.
📝Reader Questions
Of course! Just brown the meatballs in a large skillet or Dutch oven, then add the onions, soup, and soup mix. Simmer everything together for about 20-30 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thick.
If you don’t have the Lipton soup mix on hand, you can substitute a tablespoon of beef bouillon granules or a crumbled beef bouillon cube. You could also use another brand of dry onion soup mix.
⭐Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!
French Onion Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag frozen meatballs 26 ounces
- 1 onion sliced
- 1 can French onion soup 10.5 ounces
- 1 packet Lipton French onion soup mix 1 ounce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Put the frozen meatballs in your slow cooker.1 bag frozen meatballs
- Slice the onion and add it to the slow cooker. Pour in the French onion soup and sprinkle the soup mix over the top.1 onion, 1 can French onion soup, 1 packet Lipton French onion soup mix
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Sprinkle the cheese on top before serving.1 cup shredded cheese
Notes
- Look for a good brand of frozen meatballs. I like the ones that are all beef with no fillers.
- If you have the time and inclination, you can make your own meatballs from scratch. Brown them in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker so they hold their shape during cooking.
- You can double the recipe if you feed a crowd or host a party.
- If you like it saucy, add a second can of French onion soup to the crock pot so there is lots and lots of gravy.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
