Crockpot Swedish Meatballs Recipe

If cozy comfort had a flavor, it’s definitely found in these Crockpot Swedish Meatballs! This dish transforms humble, everyday ingredients into luscious, tender meatballs swimming in a luxuriously creamy sauce. As everything simmers slowly together, your kitchen fills with the rich aroma of spices and savory sauce—creating a meal that’s both nostalgic and a true crowd-pleaser. Serve them over egg noodles and you’ll instantly understand why Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are a family favorite that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Swedish Meatballs is how a mix of simple ingredients come together for maximum flavor. Each component brings something unique, whether it’s moisture, richness, or just the right hint of spice. Here’s what you’ll need—and why every ingredient counts:

• Ground Pork: Adds juicy richness and extra tenderness to your meatballs.
• Lean Ground Beef: Balances the pork, providing a hearty flavor foundation.
• Sweet Yellow Onion, Finely Diced: Gives a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth.
• Plain Panko Bread Crumbs: Lightens the texture and helps lock in moisture.
• Heavy Cream: Ensures the meatballs are indulgently moist and soft.
• Large Egg: Acts as the binder, holding everything together.
• Fresh Minced Garlic: Lends a savory kick and classic warmth.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy depth and a curious umami note.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances every flavor in the mix.
• Fresh Cracked Pepper: Offers a gentle spice and pop.
• Ground Allspice: Brings that traditional Swedish signature, slightly sweet and peppery.
• Ground Nutmeg: Contributes subtle warmth and complexity.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For browning, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Salted Sweet Cream Butter: Creates the foundation for a silky-smooth sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
• Beef Broth: Deepens the sauce with robust, savory flavor.
• Heavy Cream (For Sauce): Adds rich body and velvety smoothness to the sauce.
• Sour Cream: Rounds out the sauce with a touch of tang and extra creaminess.
• Fresh Chopped Parsley (Optional, for Garnish): Brightens the finished dish and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

Start by gathering your largest mixing bowl and combine the ground pork, ground beef, finely diced onion, panko bread crumbs, heavy cream, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, cracked pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. You can use a spoon or, for ultimate blending (and nostalgia points!), your clean hands—this ensures all those delicious flavors are fully intertwined, promising the most tender Crockpot Swedish Meatballs.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop (or simply eyeballing it with your hands), portion out the mixture and roll into compact balls. Place each meatball onto the lined sheet. Uniform size here ensures even cooking, so take a few extra seconds for shaping—your efforts absolutely pay off.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives each meatball a lovely color, plus sizzling them first means maximum taste in your Crockpot Swedish Meatballs.

Step 4: Arrange in the Slow Cooker

Once browned, transfer the meatballs in a single layer in your 6 to 7-quart slow cooker. If you have extra, it’s totally fine to layer a few gently on top—just try not to squish them! This cozy arrangement lets the meatballs soak up all the saucy goodness as they cook.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

With the same skillet still hot, add the butter. Whisk those flavorful browned bits stuck to the pan right into the melting butter—they’re flavor gold! Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about one minute until a light roux forms. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, whisking again until the sauce starts to thicken, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Carefully pour the hot sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, letting all those flavors meld and marinate together for perfectly juicy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs!

Step 7: Finish the Creamy Sauce

After three hours, use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the slow cooker (don’t worry—they’ll go back in!). Whisk in the heavy cream and sour cream into the sauce, replace the lid, and let the sauce cook for another 30 minutes to thicken and blend.

Step 8: Bring It All Together

Add the meatballs back into the slow cooker and gently stir to coat them in that dreamily creamy sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness. Your Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are now ready to win hearts!

How to Serve Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Garnishes

Try a shower of freshly chopped parsley or dill as an effortless garnish—it brightens those creamy tones and adds a hint of freshness to the rich dish. You can even add a light dusting of extra cracked black pepper if you like a little bite.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong serving Crockpot Swedish Meatballs over a fluffy pile of buttered egg noodles, but mashed potatoes or even creamy rice make fantastic beds for soaking up that sauce. For balance, add some simple steamed green beans or a crisp salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to turn your Crockpot Swedish Meatballs into a star? Make them bite-sized and serve with toothpicks at your next gathering—they’re always a party favorite. Or, ladle them into toasted rolls for a Scandi-inspired meatball sub. However you serve them, they’re sure to disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Crockpot Swedish Meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors just get richer with time, so the next-day leftovers are almost more crave-worthy than the first bite!

Freezing

These meatballs freeze beautifully! Let them cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll stay good for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for a ready-to-reheat meal.

Reheating

Warm individual portions in the microwave (gently, in 30-second bursts) or reheat a larger batch on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to keep the sauce sumptuous. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of beef broth or cream!

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of a pork and beef mix?

Absolutely! While the combination of pork and beef gives traditional flavor and extra tenderness, you can go all beef if you prefer or need to. Just note that the texture and flavor will shift a bit—still delicious, just a touch firmer.

Do I have to brown the meatballs first?

Browning adds extra depth of flavor and a bit of texture, but if you’re short on time, it’s completely fine to skip this step. Just add 30 minutes to the cooking time in your slow cooker for perfectly cooked Crockpot Swedish Meatballs.

What’s the best way to keep the sauce smooth and creamy?

The secret is to whisk the sauce ingredients well each step of the way, especially when adding sour cream and cream at the end. This keeps your sauce lump-free and luxuriously silky.

Are these freezer-friendly for meal prep?

Yes! Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are a dream to freeze. Let them cool, pop them into a freezer-safe container with sauce, and store for up to three months. They taste just as great reheated!

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?

Yes, if you’re pressed for time, store-bought frozen meatballs work. Just skip right to making the sauce and adjust the slow cooker time as frozen meatballs won’t need quite as long—about 2 to 2½ hours on high should do it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s big on comfort and low on fuss, you truly can’t go wrong with Crockpot Swedish Meatballs. They’re as perfect for weeknights as they are for special occasions, so go ahead—gather your ingredients and make a big batch. Your tastebuds (and your favorite people) will thank you!

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