Name: Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 medium yellow onions, sliced; 26 ounces frozen meatballs; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 ounce package brown gravy mix; 2 teaspoons garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar; ¼ cup water; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1½ cups gruyere cheese, grated

Jump to Recipe

If you love the flavors of classic French onion soup and crave an easy, stick-to-your-ribs dinner, Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This recipe turns frozen meatballs into savory, cheesy bites of heaven, simmered in a caramelized onion and beefy broth, then smothered with gooey Gruyere cheese. With minimal prep and irresistible results, this dish is pure comfort food and the perfect crowd-pleaser for cozy nights, potlucks, or when you simply want to serve up something special without any fuss.

Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This irresistible recipe comes together using straightforward, everyday ingredients you might already have on hand. Each one plays a key role in layering in that deep, French onion flavor—think sweet caramelized onions, rich broth, and plenty of cheese pulling everything together.

Yellow onions: Sliced onions bring that classic French onion sweetness; slicing them evenly ensures even cooking.
Frozen meatballs: Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe weeknight-easy, and they soak up all the delicious sauce as they cook.
Low-sodium beef broth: Adds depth and richness without making the dish overly salty.
Brown gravy mix: Gives a thick, savory base that clings to the meatballs and intensifies the French onion flavor profile.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant, aromatic backbone to the sauce.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and balances the savory elements.
Dried thyme: A classic herb for both French onion soup and meatballs—just a pinch brings out earthy undertones.
White wine vinegar: Brightens and balances the richness; don’t skip it!
Water: Used to make a slurry for thickening the sauce at the end.
Corn starch: Thickens the sauce into a luscious gravy that clings to every meatball.
Gruyere cheese: This nutty, melty cheese is the finishing touch—classic for French onion soup and essential here, too.

How to Make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Step 1: Layer the Onions and Meatballs

Start by arranging your sliced yellow onions evenly across the bottom of your crock pot. The onions will soften and sweeten as they cook, forming the base of that signature French onion flavor. Next, scatter the frozen meatballs directly on top—no need to thaw! This step ensures the meatballs absorb every bit of that savory onion essence as they slow-cook.

Step 2: Mix and Pour the Flavors

In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and that splash of white wine vinegar. This mixture creates a concentrated, aromatic broth that will soak into both the onions and the meatballs. Pour this flavorful liquid evenly over the layered onions and meatballs, letting it trickle down to coat every bite.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and set your crock pot to either high (for 2 and a half to 3 and a half hours) or low (for 5 to 6 hours). As it cooks, the onions soften, the meatballs heat through, and the kitchen fills with those classic, irresistible French onion aromas. Take a peek near the end—everything should be bubbling and the onions beautifully translucent.

Step 4: Thicken and Add Cheese

In a small bowl, whisk together the corn starch and water until smooth, then pour this slurry over the meatballs. Stir gently so it’s evenly distributed. Top everything with grated Gruyere cheese, then cover and let it cook for about 10 more minutes. The cheese will melt and become perfectly gooey—food bliss!

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Spoon those cheesy, saucy meatballs over fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or soak up every bit of sauce with crusty bread. Each bite delivers the savory depth of French onion soup, the heartiness of classic meatballs, and the joy of melty cheese. Enjoy every moment!

How to Serve Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs

Garnishes

A flourish of chopped fresh parsley really makes these Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs feel special. For that authentic bistro vibe, try a dusting of extra black pepper or even a few crispy fried onions for crunch. The little details not only look gorgeous but bring a spark of fresh flavor to every plate.

Side Dishes

These rich and savory meatballs shine when served over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, steamed white rice, or buttered egg noodles. If you want to keep things rustic, a torn baguette or a slice of toasted sourdough is fantastic for swiping up all that luxurious broth. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs into show-stopping party appetizers by skewering each meatball and serving with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping. Or, ladle them into oven-safe bowls, top with more Gruyere, and give them a quick broil for extra bubbly, golden cheese. These meatballs also make an amazing filling for slider sandwiches—just tuck a couple into soft rolls with melty cheese and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are even better the next day! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll keep fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors develop and deepen as they rest, making your leftovers extra tasty.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the meatballs cool completely and transfer them (with sauce) into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge or gently heat straight from frozen on the stovetop or in your slow cooker.

Reheating

Reheat Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs gently on the stovetop over medium heat, or zap them in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of beef broth. Don’t forget to sprinkle on a little extra cheese before serving for that fresh-melted magic!

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Simply prepare your favorite homemade meatball recipe and use them in place of frozen. Just make sure to brown them on the stovetop first so they hold up during the long, slow cook in the crock pot.

What can I use instead of Gruyere cheese?

Gruyere is classic, but Swiss cheese, provolone, or even mozzarella work well too. Each melts beautifully and adds its own character—just avoid super-sharp or crumbly cheeses that won’t get gooey.

Is it possible to make Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs vegetarian?

You can! Substitute meatless (plant-based) meatballs and use mushroom or vegetable broth instead of beef. The result will still be incredibly hearty and packed with that signature French onion flavor.

How can I avoid mushy onions?

Slice your onions on the thicker side (about 1/4 inch) so they hold their shape as they soften. If you prefer a more caramelized texture, you can sauté the onions in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

Definitely—just make sure your crock pot is large enough (at least 8 quarts) to accommodate everything without crowding. You’ll have plenty of Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs to go around for hungry guests!

Final Thoughts

Few recipes deliver big flavor with as little effort as Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want a cozy dinner, these cheesy, savory meatballs are guaranteed to warm hearts and win raves. Go ahead—give them a try, and let every bite remind you just how satisfying comfort food can be!