Easy Crockpot French Dip Meatballs for Busy Weeknights Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dried thyme to the broth before cooking. These subtle additions can enhance the savory notes of the beef without overpowering the main ingredients, providing a more complex profile that mimics a slow-simmered homemade gravy.

If you are serving these meatballs for a party, keep the slow cooker on the 'warm' setting after the cooking time is complete. This keeps the meatballs at a safe serving temperature for several hours, allowing guests to serve themselves at their convenience while ensuring the gravy remains at the perfect consistency for dipping.

Variations

• Cheesy French Dip Meatballs: Top the meatballs with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese during the last ten minutes of cooking. Cover the slow cooker until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a rich, gooey finish that pairs beautifully with the savory au jus gravy.
• Spicy Onion Meatballs: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef broth before cooking. This simple addition adds a subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the gravy, providing a pleasant contrast to the savory onion base.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheat

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the gravy.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours before transferring them to an airtight container. Properly stored, the meatballs will remain safe and flavorful in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When storing, ensure the meatballs are completely submerged in the gravy to prevent them from drying out during the storage period.

These meatballs are an excellent candidate for making ahead. You can prepare the entire dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs in the slow cooker on low or in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat until they are warmed through, adding a small amount of extra broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Serving ideas

Serve these French dip meatballs in deep bowls, ensuring each portion includes a generous amount of the onion-rich au jus. They pair perfectly with crusty toasted baguette slices or hoagie rolls, which are ideal for soaking up the savory gravy.

A side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad can round out the meal, providing a nice contrast to the richness of the beef.

Alternatively, serve them as an appetizer by providing toothpicks and a small side dish of the gravy for dipping. This presentation is perfect for casual gatherings or game day snacks.

If serving with bread, lightly toast the bread with a little butter or garlic to provide a crunchy texture that complements the tender meatballs and soft onions.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot French Dip Meatballs for Busy Weeknights

Prep 5 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 5 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 24 oz frozen precooked beef meatballs
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 packet au jus seasoning mix
• 2 cups beef broth

Instructions

1. Place the frozen precooked beef meatballs into the basin of the slow cooker, ensuring they are distributed in an even layer across the bottom for consistent heating throughout the cooking process.
2. Scatter the thinly sliced yellow onions over the meatballs. Sprinkle the au jus seasoning mix evenly over the top of the onions and meatballs to ensure the seasoning is well distributed.
3. Pour the beef broth over the mixture. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and the onions are soft.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

350

Protein

18 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.