Main Dishes

French Onion Meatballs Recipe

Byliam Jayne November 2, 2025November 2, 2025

Introduction

French Onion Meatballs combine the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and melted gruyere cheese with hearty frozen meatballs. This comforting dish is easy to prepare in a slow cooker, making it perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

A round white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is creamy mashed potatoes with a smooth, pale yellow texture, while the top layer consists of several brown meatballs and translucent sautéed onions covered in a glossy brown gravy. The gravy looks thick and coats the meatballs and onions evenly, with small bits of herbs sprinkled on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some green parsley leaves scattered around, and a section of a gray and white dotted cloth is visible in the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium yellow onions (sliced)
26 ounces frozen meatballs
2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 ounce package brown gravy mix
2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons corn starch
1½ cups gruyere cheese (grated)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the sliced onions in the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Then, pour the frozen meatballs over the top.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar until well combined. Pour this mixture over the meatballs.
Step 3: Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the meatballs are heated through and the flavors meld.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Pour this over the meatballs and stir gently to combine. Sprinkle the grated gruyere cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Step 5: Serve the French Onion Meatballs over rice or mashed potatoes and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper onion flavor, sauté the sliced onions in a pan until caramelized before adding them to the crock pot.
Substitute ground beef or turkey meatballs if preferred or for a homemade touch.
Add fresh chopped parsley or thyme as a garnish to brighten the dish just before serving.
If you like it spicier, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can be added to the broth mixture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. To maintain the melted cheese texture, cover while reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows ingredients neatly arranged for cooking, all placed on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a clear glass bowl filled with small, round, breaded meatballs, light brown in color with a rough texture. To the right of the meatballs are two whole yellow onions with a smooth and slightly shiny skin. Next to the onions, in another clear glass bowl, is a pile of shredded cheese, light yellow and finely grated. Below the onions is a small black container filled with a thick, dark liquid, and to its right is a small metal bowl with minced garlic, pale yellow and finely chopped. On the bottom left, there is a small white bowl filled with ground black pepper, dark and powdery. Beside it lies a packet of brown gravy mix, beige with blue and red writing. Next to the pepper is a small white bowl with clear liquid, likely water, light and reflective. To the right of that bowl is another small white bowl with dried herbs, dark green and leafy. Lastly, at the bottom right is a small white bowl with a fine white powder, probably flour or cornstarch, soft and powdery. There is also a small clear glass measuring cup containing water on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh or homemade meatballs work well. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked and the flavors blend nicely.

What can I serve with French Onion Meatballs?

This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the savory sauce.

French Onion Meatballs Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

French Onion Meatballs are a savory and comforting dish featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich French onion-style gravy with caramelized onions, herbs, and melted Gruyere cheese. This slow-cooked recipe combines traditional French onion soup flavors with hearty meatballs, perfect for serving over rice or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal.

Author: liam
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (high) or 6 hours (low) plus 10 minutes for melting cheese
Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (high) or 6 hours 25 minutes (low)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: French-American
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs and Onions

2 medium yellow onions, sliced
26 ounces frozen meatballs

Sauce

2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 ounce package brown gravy mix
2 teaspoons garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons corn starch

Topping

1½ cups Gruyere cheese, grated

Instructions

Prepare the base: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of a 6-quart crock pot. Then arrange the frozen meatballs evenly on top of the onions to create a flavorful base for the dish.
Mix and add sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth, brown gravy mix, minced garlic, black pepper, dried thyme, and white wine vinegar until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the meatballs in the crock pot.
Slow cook the meatballs: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on high for 2½ to 3½ hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld well and the onions to become tender and caramelized.
Thicken the gravy and add cheese: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour this slurry over the meatballs and mix gently to incorporate. Then sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese on top. Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Serve and enjoy: Spoon the French Onion Meatballs over a bed of rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
For added depth of flavor, caramelize the onions in a skillet before placing them in the crock pot.
Substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version, although the flavor will be less rich.
Gruyere can be swapped with Swiss cheese if unavailable, preserving a similar melt and taste.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: French onion meatballs, slow cooker meatballs, crock pot recipe, beef meatballs, comfort food, Gruyere cheese, brown gravy, easy dinner

liam Jayne

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