Looking for a hands-off dinner that’s bursting with rich, savory flavor? These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs combine juicy, tender meatballs with the deep, caramelized taste of French onion soup, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for cozy family dinners, game-day gatherings, or easy weeknight meals, this recipe from TastyRecipeHub.com is a set-it-and-forget-it winner. It’s a standout in our eBook, 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Let’s dive into this cheesy, comforting dish that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a must-try for comfort food lovers, offering:
- Rich and Flavorful: French onion soup infuses the meatballs with deep, savory goodness.
- Effortless Prep: Minimal hands-on time with the magic of the slow cooker.
- Cheesy Delight: Gooey mozzarella takes it to the next level.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or party food.
- Shareable: Ideal for X posts with #TastyRecipeHub to showcase your cozy creation.
This dish is a hearty, crowd-pleasing addition to your recipe collection, just like the bold recipes in our eBook, available for just $2.99 on Gumroad.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4-6 (about 20-24 meatballs). Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 onion, finely chopped (about ¾ cup)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce and Topping:
- 2 cups French onion soup (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Crusty bread or slider buns (for serving)
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Equipment Needed
- 4-6 quart slow cooker (Crock Pot)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or cookie scoop (for shaping meatballs)
- Serving platter or bowls
Instructions
Follow these steps to create tender, cheesy meatballs with the rich flavor of French onion soup.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 finely chopped onion, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Mix with your hands or a spoon until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 20-24 meatballs), using a spoon or cookie scoop for uniformity.
Step 2: Set Up the Crock Pot
- Place the meatballs in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker in a single layer, if possible.
- Pour 2 cups French onion soup evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C) and tender.
Step 4: Add Cheese
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs.
- Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and gooey.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the meatballs warm, spooning some of the French onion sauce over them.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and optional red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy as a main dish with mashed potatoes or as an appetizer with crusty bread or slider buns.
Serving Suggestions
- Weeknight Dinner: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- Game Day: Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.
- Potluck: Present in the slow cooker to keep warm, with slider buns for mini sandwiches.
- Cozy Gathering: Enjoy with a side salad and a glass of red wine, like Merlot.
Love This Recipe? Get More in Our eBook!
If these Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs have you craving more comforting American dishes, check out 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. This eBook is packed with 60 recipes, like Creamy Velveeta Chicken Rotini, Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce, and Cheeseburger Pie, all designed for busy cooks who love bold flavors. For just $2.99, download it instantly on Gumroad and elevate your meals with more crowd-pleasing classics!
Customization Options
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for variety.
- Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for provolone, Swiss, or Gruyère for a more authentic French onion flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the French onion soup is gluten-free.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the slow cooker for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick: Mix ½ tsp cayenne or hot sauce into the meatball mixture for heat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the slow cooker or stovetop.
- Make-Ahead: Form meatballs up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate. Add to the slow cooker with soup when ready to cook.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate, Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
Why This Recipe Shines
These Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs are a comforting, low-effort dish that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with juicy meatballs and melty cheese. Their ease and bold taste make them perfect for busy days or sharing on social media, just like the hearty recipes in 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple. Want more? Grab the eBook for just $2.99 on Gumroad!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the meatball ingredients just until combined to keep them tender.
- Uniform Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs that cook consistently.
- Cheese Timing: Add cheese in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Soup Quality: Use a high-quality or homemade French onion soup for the best flavor.
- Check Doneness: Ensure meatballs reach 160°F internally for safety.
Join the Tasty Recipe Hub Community
Share your Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs on X with #TastyRecipeHub for a chance to be featured! For more comforting American recipes, download 60 Mouthwatering American Dishes Made Simple for just $2.99 on Gumroad and follow us on Pinterest or our Facebook Broadcast Channel for daily inspiration.
Enjoy your cheesy, savory meatballs!
