These Crock Pot Onion Meatballs are an easy and delicious comfort food that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Juicy meatballs simmered in a flavorful, savory onion sauce make for a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
What I love most about this dish is how hands-off it is. Once the meatballs are prepped and placed in the slow cooker, you can let them cook to perfection while you go about your day. The optional addition of shredded Swiss cheese gives the dish a creamy, decadent finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy and convenient: The slow cooker does all the work!
- Rich and flavorful: Packed with onion and garlic goodness.
- Customizable: Swap proteins or adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make ahead and freeze for easy weeknight dinners.
- Crowd-pleaser: Great for potlucks, family dinners, or parties.
Recipe: Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups beef broth (use Halal-certified broth if applicable)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Optional Topping:
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, shape the mixture into 20–24 meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs (Optional):
- For extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for 2–3 minutes on each side. This step is optional but adds a deeper flavor to the dish.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce.
- Add the sliced onion to the bottom of the Crock Pot, then pour half of the sauce mixture over the onions.
- Assemble the Crock Pot:
- Place the meatballs on top of the onions and sauce in the Crock Pot.
- Pour the remaining sauce mixture evenly over the meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
- Optional Topping:
- During the last 10 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the meatballs. Cover and let the cheese melt.
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs with the onion sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta. Add a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Option: Freeze cooked meatballs (without cheese) and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
Helpful Notes
- Protein Alternatives: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb for a different flavor.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Onion Variations: Use caramelized onions for a sweeter, richer flavor.
- Cheese Options: If Swiss cheese isn’t available, substitute with mozzarella or Parmesan for a different twist.
- Seasoning Boost: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the sauce for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe without a Crock Pot?
Yes! You can simmer the meatballs in the sauce on the stovetop over low heat for 30–40 minutes or until cooked through. - Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked frozen or fresh meatballs work well. Simply add them to the Crock Pot and adjust the cooking time as needed. - What can I use instead of beef broth?
Chicken broth, vegetable broth, or a mixture of water with bouillon cubes are great substitutes. - How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your Worcestershire and soy sauces are gluten-free. - Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes! Add sliced mushrooms, carrots, or celery for extra flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
These Crock Pot Onion Meatballs are an easy and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any day of the week. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the meatballs to soak up the rich, savory onion sauce as they cook. Whether you’re serving this dish for dinner or as a party appetizer, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
I love how versatile this recipe is. You can make it your own by swapping proteins, adding veggies, or changing up the seasonings. And don’t forget the crusty bread—because you’ll want every drop of that delicious sauce!