Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, allowing me to set it and forget it.
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Rich Flavor: The combination of French onion soup and melted cheese creates a deep, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
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Versatile Serving Options: I can serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, noodles, or even in a sandwich.
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Great for Gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for parties and family dinners.
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Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, I can create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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26 oz bag of frozen homestyle meatballs
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1 small onion, sliced
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1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
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1 packet (1 oz) Lipton Onion Soup Mix
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1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss/Mozzarella)
Directions
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Prepare the Crock Pot: I place the frozen meatballs into the crock pot.
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Add Onions and Soup: I add the sliced onion, pour the French onion soup over the meatballs, and sprinkle the Lipton Onion Soup Mix on top. I stir lightly to combine.
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Cook: I cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
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Add Cheese: When ready to serve, I sprinkle the shredded cheese over the meatballs, cover, and let it melt.
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Optional Thickening: If I prefer a thicker gravy, I stir in a slurry made of 1-2 tablespoons of water mixed with an equal amount of cornstarch.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 6
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
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Total Time: Approximately 4-6 hours
Variations
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Homemade Meatballs: I can use homemade meatballs instead of frozen ones for a more personalized touch.
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Cheese Options: While Gruyère is traditional, I sometimes use Swiss or Mozzarella based on availability.
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Additional Herbs: Adding fresh thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor profile.
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Spice It Up: For a kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: I reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
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Freezing: I freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, I can use fresh homemade meatballs. I ensure they are fully cooked before adding them to the crock pot to maintain their shape and texture.
What can I serve with French Onion Meatballs?
These meatballs pair well with mashed potatoes, rice, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. I use gluten-free meatballs and ensure the French onion soup and soup mix are gluten-free certified.
How can I make the gravy thicker?
To thicken the gravy, I mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of water and stir it into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is it necessary to add cheese?
While the cheese adds a creamy, rich flavor reminiscent of French onion soup, I can omit it if I prefer a lighter dish.
Conclusion
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a delightful fusion of classic French onion soup flavors and hearty meatballs, all brought together in a convenient slow-cooker recipe. Whether I’m hosting a gathering or seeking a comforting weeknight meal, this dish delivers on taste and ease. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a recipe I return to time and again for its rich flavor and satisfying results.
Print
Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
- Total Time: 4–6 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
Description
Frozen meatballs meet French onion soup in this easy slow cooker recipe—finished with melted cheese for the ultimate cozy meal.
Ingredients
26 oz bag of frozen homestyle meatballs
1 small onion, sliced
1 can (10.5 oz) French onion soup
1 packet (1 oz) Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss/Mozzarella)
Optional for thickening:
1–2 tablespoons cornstarch
1–2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Prepare Crock Pot: Add frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
Add Flavor Base: Top with sliced onions, pour in French onion soup, and sprinkle the dry soup mix. Lightly stir to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top before serving. Cover to melt.
Optional Thickening: Mix water and cornstarch, stir into crock pot during the last 30 minutes if a thicker gravy is desired.
Notes
Use homemade meatballs for extra flavor and control.
Swap cheeses based on preference—Gruyère, Swiss, or mozzarella all work well.
Enhance with herbs like thyme or parsley, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
