Can I use a different cut of meat?

Absolutely. The beauty of slow cooking is flexibility. Choose what is available, and the flavors will still shine through. Ground pork adds richness, turkey keeps it lighter, and a beef-pork blend brings classic depth. Adjust cook times only slightly if the meat is very lean.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Gentle handling and the right binder help. The breadcrumbs, egg, and Parmesan provide structure. Avoid packing the mixture too tightly when shaping. If you prefer extra assurance, brown the meatballs in a skillet for a minute on each side before adding them to the crockpot.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Yes. If you like a thicker sauce, take the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate. You can also whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch into two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the crockpot in the last 20 minutes while on high. That will give a glossy, slightly thicker finish.

Is this suitable for a crowd?

Certainly. You can double the recipe and use a large slow cooker or two standard ones. Keep the same ratios for breadcrumbs and binder. The cook time stays about the same, though the larger volume may take a bit longer to come up to temperature, so plan accordingly.

Can I make these meatballs in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely. Make them the day before, cool completely, and store in the refrigerator. On the day of the party, reheat gently on low in the slow cooker to keep them moist, and finish with melted cheese under the broiler for a warm, convivial touch.

Easy Crockpot French Onion Meatballs 2026

Name: Crockpot French Onion Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 onion, diced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 packet onion soup mix; Salt and pepper to taste; French bread slices or rolls (for serving); Sliced cheese (optional, for topping)

Description

Hearty and comforting meatballs infused with classic French onion flavors, slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 onion, diced
2 cups beef broth
1 packet onion soup mix
Salt and pepper to taste
French bread slices or rolls (for serving)
Sliced cheese (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, diced onion, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into meatballs.
Place the meatballs in the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer if possible.
In a separate bowl, combine the beef broth and onion soup mix. Pour the mixture over the meatballs in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Serve the meatballs on French bread slices or rolls, topped with cheese if desired.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, consider browning the meatballs briefly in a skillet before layering them in the crockpot. Use low-sodium broth for a lighter flavor if preferred.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs with sauce
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg