Name: Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 h 10 min
Total time: 6 h 30 min
Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 3 cups beef broth; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon thyme; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished that the comforting flavors of French onion soup could mingle with the hearty goodness of meatballs, then you’re in for a treat with these Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs. This recipe transforms classic French onion soup ingredients into tender, flavorful meatballs slow-cooked to perfection, bathing in a rich, savory broth infused with caramelized onions and aromatic herbs. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressive gatherings, where every bite feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to bringing this beloved dish to life. Each component plays a crucial role: the blend of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs juicy tenderness, while the breadcrumbs and Parmesan add texture and depth. Fresh parsley brightens the mix, and the slow-cooked onions and broth create that signature rich and savory sauce you’ll fall in love with.

1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty flavor and moisture for juicy meatballs.
1 pound ground pork: Adds richness and tenderness to the meatball mixture.
1 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs together and keeps them soft.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, umami punch for deeper flavor.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything perfectly together.
2 teaspoons garlic powder: Infuses gentle, savory depth.
2 teaspoons onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor throughout.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the natural flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
2 large onions, thinly sliced: Slow-cooked until caramelized, these provide that classic French onion soup sweetness.
3 cups beef broth: Forms a flavorful base for the cooking liquid and gravy.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds depth and a touch of umami complexity.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a subtle tang and sweetness, rounding out the sauce.
1 teaspoon thyme: Offers a fragrant, earthy aroma.
1 teaspoon sugar: Helps balance the savory elements with a hint of sweetness.
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional): Melts beautifully on top to add a cheesy, gooey finish reminiscent of French onion soup.

How to Make Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly until fully incorporated — this mix is the heart of your Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs, bringing together flavors and textures beautifully.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Form the mixture into roughly 1-inch meatballs. Keeping them uniform ensures even cooking and a perfect bite every time. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor and a lovely crust, you can quickly brown the meatballs in a hot sauté pan for a few minutes on each side, but this step is optional and the slow cooker will still do all the magic.

Step 3: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Layer the thinly sliced onions at the bottom of your slow cooker — these onions will caramelize slowly, turning sweet and tender, creating a delicious bed for the meatballs. Next, gently nestle your meatballs on top of the onions.

Step 4: Make the Broth Mixture and Cook

In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and sugar. Pour this fragrant broth evenly over the meatballs and onions. Cover and set your slow cooker on low heat for 6 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become incredibly tender, soaking up the rich onion-infused broth.

Step 5: Optional Cheese Topping

If you’re dreaming of a cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the cooked meatballs about 10 minutes before serving. Cover the slow cooker again to allow the cheese to melt into a luscious, velvety layer that perfectly complements the savory meat and onions.

How to Serve Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish, adding a splash of color and fresh flavor. If you love an extra cheesy touch, a few additional shreds of Gruyère or even a light dusting of Parmesan just before serving provides a beautiful, savory finish.

Side Dishes

The rich gravy and tender meatballs pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or even crusty baguette slices to soak up all that delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables can add a fresh contrast to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual dinner, serve these meatballs on toasted baguette slices with melted Gruyère on top, creating irresistible French onion meatball crostini. Alternatively, present the meatballs over creamy polenta or risotto for a sophisticated twist that highlights the luscious onion broth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meatballs will continue to soak in the flavorful broth, making them even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze these meatballs either cooked or uncooked. To freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container with some of the broth to keep them moist. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To freeze uncooked meatballs, flash-freeze them on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs gently in a saucepan over low heat, covered, until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or water if the sauce appears too thick. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between to keep the meatballs juicy.

FAQs

Can I use only beef or only pork for the meatballs?

Absolutely! While the mix of beef and pork offers the best balance of flavor and juiciness, using just one type of meat works just fine. Beef alone will produce a classic taste, while pork alone tends to be a bit richer and fattier.

Do I have to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

Nope! Browning adds extra flavor and texture on the outside, but it is entirely optional. The slow cooker will cook the meatballs thoroughly and tenderly, and the broth and onions will infuse plenty of flavor during cooking.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Use the sauté function to brown the meatballs if you want, then switch to pressure cooking for about 20 minutes. Remember to allow natural pressure release to keep the meatballs tender and flavorful.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs?

For a vegetarian version, try using a plant-based ground meat substitute or a mix of cooked lentils and grains with similar seasonings. The slow cooker method and onion broth will still create a tasty result, though the texture will naturally be different.

What can I serve if I want a low-carb option?

Instead of traditional sides like noodles or potatoes, serve the meatballs over cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables. The rich onion gravy still makes this a satisfying and comforting meal without extra carbs.

Final Thoughts

Once you make these Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs, I promise they’ll become one of your favorite cozy dishes to return to again and again. The melding of caramelized onions, savory meatballs, and rich broth is just downright irresistible. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share this delicious comfort food with loved ones — your slow cooker will do all the heavy lifting, and you’ll get all the credit.

Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs combine tender, flavorful meatballs with rich caramelized onions and a savory beef broth for a comforting and easy meal. Slow cooking melds all the ingredients perfectly, making this dish ideal for a cozy dinner or meal prep.

Instructions

Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into approximately 1-inch-sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniformly shaped for even cooking.
Optional Browning: To enhance flavor, heat a sauté pan over medium heat and brown the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a nice crust. This step is optional but recommended.
Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Place the thinly sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a flavorful bed for the meatballs.
Layer Meatballs and Pour Sauce: Arrange the meatballs on top of the onions evenly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, and sugar. Pour this mixture over the meatballs and onions in the slow cooker.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 hours, allowing the meatballs to become tender and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Add Cheese (Optional): After the cooking time, sprinkle shredded Gruyère cheese over the meatballs. Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Serve: Serve the meatballs warm, accompanied by the cooked onions and rich gravy. Pair with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a fresh green salad.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Browning the meatballs before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for quicker prep.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
Gruyère cheese adds a creamy and nutty finish but can be omitted or substituted with mozzarella or Swiss cheese.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: French-American Fusion