Easy Crock Pot French Onion

These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs bring together the cozy richness of French onion soup with the convenience of a slow cooker meal. The tender meatballs simmer in a savory onion broth, topped with bubbling mozzarella cheese for a meltinyourmouth finish. It is a perfect solution for busy nights when you want comforting flavors without the fuss.

I first made this during a hectic week and was amazed how much flavor developed with hardly any effort. It quickly became my goto when I want something warm and filling without standing over the stove.

Ingredients

• Frozen beef homestyle meatballs: Provide convenience and great texture many brands work but choose ones without excess additives for best results
• Low or no sodium beef broth: To control the saltiness and ensure a rich but balanced base flavor
• French onion soup mix: Or beefy onion soup mix for authentic flavor pick a quality brand or make your own salt free mix if watching sodium intake
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly you can substitute shredded gruyere for a more traditional French onion touch
• Fresh thyme: Optional garnish that adds a subtle herbal note enhancing the overall aroma and presentation
• Cornstarch: For thickening the broth creating a nice coating for the meatballs without being too heavy

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

While this recipe skips sautéing to keep it simple the depth comes later from the French onion soup mix simmering slowly in the broth

Layer the Meatballs:

Place the frozen meatballs evenly in a single layer at the bottom of a 4 to 6quart crockpot. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the flavors well.

Add the Soup Mix and Broth:

Pour the full can of French onion soup over the meatballs to cover them. Sprinkle the packet of French onion or beefy onion soup mix evenly on top. Pour in one cup of low or no sodium beef broth to build the liquid base.

Cook Low and Slow:

Cover and set the crockpot to cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours. This allows the meatballs to heat throughout and the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Make the Slurry:

In a small bowl mix together cold water and cornstarch until fully combined creating a slurry which will thicken the broth without clumping.

Thicken the Broth:

Pour the slurry into the crockpot and stir gently to combine thoroughly. Cover again and cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken.

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs. Cover and allow the cheese to melt completely before serving.

Serve:

Spoon over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or alongside crusty bread with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

The meatballs absorb the broth nicely making each bite juicy which always earns compliments around my table. I remember serving this for a family game night and everyone kept going back for more seconds especially with the melted cheese topping.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through. To freeze portion into freezer safe containers and label with the date. Frozen portions maintain flavor well but the cheese texture will be less gooey after thawing yet still tasty.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap beef meatballs for turkey or chicken meatballs but cooking times might vary slightly. For cheese, try shredded provolone or gouda if you prefer a different flavor profile. If avoiding cornstarch use arrowroot powder or flour to thicken but add slowly to avoid clumping.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes soaked in the rich broth or buttery egg noodles tossed with fresh parsley. A side of green beans or a crisp green salad balances the richness nicely. Dinner rolls or garlic bread are excellent for mopping up any leftover sauce.

This slow cooker twist on French onion soup delivers comforting flavor with minimal effort. Add the cheese at the end for best melty results.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use homemade meatballs?

Yes, homemade meatballs can be used. Just ensure they are nearly cooked before adding to avoid falling apart or releasing too much grease during slow cooking.

→ Are Italian meatballs suitable for this dish?

Italian meatballs may work, but homestyle varieties are preferred since Italian seasonings can overpower the delicate French onion broth flavors.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed green beans. Dinner rolls also help soak up the flavorful broth.

→ How salty is the dish?

Saltiness depends on the broth and onion soup mix used. Opting for low or no sodium versions helps control salt levels for a balanced taste.

→ Do the meatballs need thawing before cooking?

No thawing is needed. Frozen meatballs can be added directly to the crock pot for convenience.

→ Can additional ingredients be added?

Yes, sliced mushrooms and fresh onions can be stirred in for extra texture and umami depth.

→ Is it possible to cook longer than recommended?

Cooking up to 6 hours on low is fine, mainly to enhance flavor as meatballs are already cooked.

→ How to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave. Freezing is possible though cheese texture may slightly change.