Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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1½–2 lb (680–900 g) baby potatoes, red, yellow, or a mixture
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24–30 fully cooked beef meatballs, frozen or refrigerated
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1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed French onion soup
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½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 tablespoon olive oil, optional
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2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Cheesy Topping
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½–1 cup shredded Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the potatoes
Wash the baby potatoes well. Leave small potatoes whole and cut larger potatoes in half.
Tip: Try to keep the potato pieces roughly the same size so they finish cooking at the same time.
2. Prepare the slow cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with olive oil or cooking spray.
Place the potatoes in an even layer on the bottom.
3. Add the meatballs
Arrange the meatballs over the potatoes.
You can use frozen fully cooked meatballs directly—there is no need to thaw them first.
4. Make the French onion sauce
In a bowl, combine:
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1 can condensed French onion soup
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½ cup beef broth
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon thyme
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½ teaspoon black pepper
Whisk until well combined.
5. Add the sauce
Pour the French onion mixture evenly over the meatballs and potatoes.
Don’t add extra salt at this stage. Condensed French onion soup can already be quite salty; the Campbell’s version currently lists 780 mg sodium per ½-cup serving.
6. Slow cook
Cover and cook:
LOW: 7–8 hours
HIGH: 4–5 hours
The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the meatballs should be thoroughly hot.
7. Stir the gravy
Once cooked, gently stir the potatoes and meatballs so they become coated in the onion gravy.
Be careful not to break the potatoes.
8. Optional cheese topping
For a richer, cheesy version, sprinkle the cheese over the meatballs during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking.
Cover again and allow the cheese to melt.
9. Serve
Transfer the meatballs and potatoes to a serving dish. Spoon plenty of the French onion gravy over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve hot.
Nut & Allergen Information
Peanuts & tree nuts
The current Campbell’s Condensed French Onion Soup ingredient list does not list peanuts or tree nuts. Campbell’s states that its labeling identifies the major allergens when they are present.
However, check the package of your particular meatballs, because different brands can have different ingredients and manufacturing facilities.
Other allergens
The current Campbell’s French Onion Soup contains:
5. Add the sauce
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Wheat
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Milk
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Soy
The meatballs may also contain wheat, milk, egg, soy, or other allergens, depending on the brand.
For a severe allergy: use the ingredient and allergen statement on every package you use rather than relying only on the recipe.
Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free version, use:
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Certified gluten-free meatballs
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Gluten-free French onion soup
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Gluten-free beef broth
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Gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
The Campbell’s French Onion Soup shown in the recipe is not gluten-free because it contains wheat.
Easy Q/S — Quick Substitutions
Q: Can I use homemade meatballs?
Yes. Brown them first for better flavor, then add them to the slow cooker.Q: Can I use chicken or turkey meatballs?
Yes. Turkey meatballs work particularly well with the onion gravy.Q: Can I use regular potatoes?
Yes. Cut them into approximately 1-inch pieces.Q: Can I make it without cheese?
Absolutely. The original-style dish doesn’t require cheese.Q: Can I add mushrooms?
Yes. Add about 8 oz (225 g) sliced mushrooms with the potatoes.Q: Can I add onions?
Yes. Add 1 medium sliced yellow onion for extra French-onion flavor.Q: Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate if necessary, then cook according to the instructions. Don’t leave raw ingredients sitting at room temperature.Q: How do I make the gravy thicker?
After cooking, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it into the hot gravy, and cook on HIGH for about 10–15 minutes until thickened.Q: What should I serve with it?
It is already a complete meal with meat and potatoes. A simple green salad, steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted vegetables work well alongside it. -