Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Intro

Looking for an easy, hearty, and family-friendly dish that practically cooks itself? This Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or potluck dinners. Tender meatballs simmer slowly in a rich beef-and-onion gravy that becomes more flavorful with every passing hour. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this dish delivers comfort food at its best.

Whether you want an easy entrée for dinner or a warm appetizer for guests, these crockpot meatballs win every time. This recipe is effortless, budget-friendly, and full of savory flavor that pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.


What Are Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs?

Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs are frozen or homemade meatballs slow-cooked in a creamy, savory sauce made from condensed beefy onion soup mix, cream soup, broth, and seasonings. As they cook, the meatballs soak up the rich flavors, resulting in tender bites coated in a smooth gravy-like sauce.

This dish is popular because:

  • It requires almost no prep
  • The crockpot does all the work
  • It’s perfect for large gatherings
  • The sauce tastes bold, hearty, and comforting

The result is a warm, flavorful, and filling meal that feels homemade without hours in the kitchen.


Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs (if making homemade)

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp minced onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

OR:
Use 32 oz (about 50–60 pieces) frozen cooked meatballs for convenience.

For the Beefy Onion Sauce

  • 1 packet beefy onion soup mix
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Homemade Meatballs (Optional)

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. Bake for 15–18 minutes until browned.
  5. Set aside.

(Skip this step if using frozen meatballs.)


Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Beef broth
  • Beefy onion soup mix
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Parsley

Mix until smooth and well-blended.


Step 3: Fill the Crockpot

  1. Place the meatballs into the crockpot.
  2. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top.
  3. Gently stir to coat.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cook on:

  • Low for 6–7 hours, or
  • High for 3–4 hours

The sauce will thicken as it cooks, developing a deep, savory flavor.


Step 5: Serve

Stir gently before serving.
These meatballs go well with:

  • Mashed potatoes
  • Buttered noodles
  • White or brown rice
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless: No complicated prep steps
  • Flexible: Works with frozen or homemade meatballs
  • Crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves the rich flavor
  • Affordable: Made with simple pantry ingredients
  • Versatile: Serve as dinner or a party appetizer

Variations

1. Creamier Version

Add ¼ cup sour cream during the last 20 minutes of cooking for a smooth, creamy gravy.

2. Spicy Beefy Onion Meatballs

Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

3. BBQ-Blended Version

Replace ½ cup of broth with ½ cup of BBQ sauce for a sweeter, tangier flavor.

4. Swedish-Style Twist

Add ½ cup heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg for a Swedish-meatball-inspired dish.

5. Cheesy Crockpot Meatballs

Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar during the last 10 minutes.

Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Tips for the Best Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs

  • Do not over-stir while cooking—meatballs can break.
  • Frozen meatballs work great; choose beef-only for best flavor.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add 2–4 tbsp broth at the end.
  • If the sauce is too thin, cook uncovered for 10 minutes or switch to high heat.
  • Use low-sodium broth if needed, since soup mixes can be salty.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Warm in a pot over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.


Serving Ideas

These meatballs are delicious with:

  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Egg noodles
  • Garlic rice
  • Dinner rolls
  • Green beans or broccoli
  • Over baked potatoes

They also make an excellent crockpot appetizer at parties.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use turkey or chicken meatballs?

Yes, but beef meatballs pair best with the beefy onion flavor.

Can I thicken the sauce?

Add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water during the last 15 minutes.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes—use a 6-quart or 7-quart crockpot.

Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs?

No, they go straight into the crockpot.


Final Thoughts

This Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe delivers comfort food with very little work. The meatballs turn perfectly tender, and the rich beef-and-onion gravy makes every bite satisfying. Whether you serve them for dinner or as a warm appetizer, this dish will always be a hit. If you want something simple, hearty, and full of flavor, these slow-cooked meatballs are the perfect pick.

More Recipes:

Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Try this Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs recipe for a simple, flavorful dish. Slow-cooked meatballs in beefy onion gravy—great for busy nights and potlucks.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs (if making homemade)

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp minced onion
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • OR:
  • Use 32 oz about 50–60 pieces frozen cooked meatballs for convenience.

For the Beefy Onion Sauce

  • 1 packet beefy onion soup mix
  • 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Homemade Meatballs (Optional)

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
  • Bake for 15–18 minutes until browned.
  • Set aside.
  • (Skip this step if using frozen meatballs.)

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of mushroom soup
  • Beef broth
  • Beefy onion soup mix
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Parsley
  • Mix until smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Fill the Crockpot

  • Place the meatballs into the crockpot.
  • Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top.
  • Gently stir to coat.

Step 4: Slow Cook

  • Cook on:
  • Low for 6–7 hours, or
  • High for 3–4 hours
  • The sauce will thicken as it cooks, developing a deep, savory flavor.

Step 5: Serve

  • Stir gently before serving.
  • These meatballs go well with:
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Buttered noodles
  • White or brown rice
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables
Keyword Beefy Onion Crockpot Meatballs Recipe
Hi, I’m Olivia Brooks! Cooking is my passion, and I love turning everyday ingredients into meals that bring joy to the table. On CulinaryPearl, I share simple recipes, helpful kitchen tips, and inspiration for food lovers everywhere