Slow Cooker French Onion Soup Meatballs
Imagine the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup combined with juicy, tender meatballs, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. This recipe brings together the deep, caramelized sweetness of onions, warm spices, and a flavorful broth for an easy yet elegant dish.
Perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings, these French onion meatballs are incredibly simple to make, thanks to the slow cooker. Serve them with crusty bread to soak up the rich broth, or pair them with mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds (about 680 g) ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
For the French Onion Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, enhances caramelization)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional, for a rich, cheesy topping)
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, milk, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until combined, but avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
For added depth of flavor, heat a pan over medium heat and lightly sear the meatballs on all sides. This step is optional but adds a delicious caramelized crust.
2. Caramelize the Onions
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sugar (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Be patient—this step is key to building deep, rich flavor.
Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir well to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Make the Broth
Pour the beef broth into the pan with the caramelized onions, stirring well to deglaze the pan and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
4. Slow Cook
Transfer the onion and broth mixture to your slow cooker. Add the seared meatballs, gently stirring so they’re coated in the flavorful broth.
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 4-6 hours, or
- High for 2-3 hours
Ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are cooked through and tender, they are ready to serve. Ladle them into bowls with the rich onion broth. If using, sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top and let it melt.
Pair your meatballs with thick slices of toasted bread for dipping, or serve them over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
These French Onion Soup Meatballs are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with:
- Crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful broth
- Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a more filling dish
- Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to add a fresh, vibrant side
- A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing for a light contrast
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Avoid over-mixing the meat to keep the meatballs soft and tender. Mix until just combined.
- Brown the meatballs first for added flavor. While optional, searing them before slow cooking creates a more complex taste.
- Caramelize the onions properly—low and slow cooking helps bring out their natural sweetness.
- Choose a rich beef broth to build a flavorful base.
- Toss the cheese on top while warm to get that classic, melted French onion soup effect.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store cooled meatballs and broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. For easy reheating, freeze in individual portions so you can thaw just what you need.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If using Gruyère cheese, add it at the end and allow it to melt before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & hands-free – Let the slow cooker do all the work
- Packed with deep, rich flavors from caramelized onions and spices
- Comfort food at its best – warm, hearty, and satisfying
- Great for meal prep – easy to make in advance and freezer-friendly
- Pairs beautifully with bread, potatoes, or roasted vegetables
Enjoy a comforting bowl of French Onion Soup Meatballs—a rich, flavorful dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Try this recipe for your next family dinner or cozy night in, and let the slow cooker do all the work while you savor every bite.