Name: Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 36 ounce frozen meatballs; 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced into half moons; 3-5 garlic cloves, minced; 2 cups low sodium beef broth; 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, minced; ¾ teaspoon black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese; Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe

This Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs recipe uses frozen meatballs for an easy, no-stress dinner. Tender meatballs and sweet onions simmer in a rich, savory French onion sauce, making it perfect for busy nights.

Crockpot French onion meatballs served on a plate with mashed potatoes.

Try my crockpot Mississippi pot roast & crockpot Mississippi meatballs next!

What you’ll love about this meatball recipe

Uses frozen meatballs for a fast, no-stress shortcut
Just 10 minutes of prep then the crockpot does the work
perfect easy weeknight dinner the whole family will devour

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients for recipe laid out in small bowls on kitchen counter.

36 ounce frozen meatballs
2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced into half moons
3-5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups low sodium beef broth
1 (10.5 oz) can condensed French onion soup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 ½ teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
¾ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish is optional

Substitutions

Instead of gruyere, you can opt for another melty cheese such as comte, fontina, provolone, swiss, or even mozzarella.
Instead of a can of condensed french onion soup, you can opt to use an envelope of french onion soup mix.
Use any frozen meatballs you like such as angus beef, italian, or even turkey. This recipe is also great with homemade meatballs (fresh or frozen).

How To Make Crockpot French Onion Meatballs

Onions sprinkled on top of frozen meatballs in crockpot.

STEP ONE – Place frozen meatballs in crockpot.

STEP TWO – Top with sliced onions and minced garlic.

STEP THREE – In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine the beef broth, French onion soup, balsamic vinegar, thyme, black pepper, and cornstarch. Whisk well to combine.

Cooked meatballs are sprinkled with cheese in slow cooker.

STEP FOUR – Pour mixture over the meatballs, onions, and garlic.

STEP FIVE – Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 3-5 hours, until the meatballs are fully heated through. Stir halfway through cooking time to ensure even heating and to make sure the sauce is not burning on the bottom of the pan.

STEP SIX – Right before serving, top the meatballs with the shredded gruyere cheese. Cover with lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted.

STEP SEVEN – Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme if desired. Serve as an appetizer or over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Enjoy!

Storage And Reheating Instructions

Once cooled store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

Reheat on a microwave-safe dish in the microwave using 30 second intervals until warmed through.