Slow Cooker French Onion Meatballs
Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich French onion sauce and topped with melty cheese… this is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s cozy, easy, and perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without the fuss.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Meatballs:
1 ½ lbs. ground beef
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup milk
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the French Onion Sauce:
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp butter
2 cups beef broth
1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella
¼ cup grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Instructions
Make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently and form into 1-inch balls.
Caramelize the onions. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and cook onions for 15–20 minutes until soft and golden.
Layer in the slow cooker. Place meatballs in the slow cooker. Add caramelized onions on top.
Add the sauce. Pour in beef broth, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and thyme.
Cook. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are tender and cooked through.
Add the cheese. Sprinkle Gruyère and Parmesan over the top. Cover and cook 10–15 more minutes until melted.
Garnish & serve. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

🍽 Serving Ideas
Spoon over mashed potatoes
Serve with buttered egg noodles
Toast baguette slices and make mini French onion meatball melts