Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs: 3-hour Dinner

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Slow cooker Swedish meatballs have become my go-to for busy weeknights, bringing a comforting taste of home right to my kitchen table. I remember the first time I tried making them myself; it felt like unlocking a secret to effortless, delicious meals. The aroma that fills my house as they simmer is absolutely divine – a mix of savory meatballs and a rich, creamy sauce that just makes you want to curl up on the couch. Learning how to make slow cooker Swedish meatballs has been a game-changer for my meal planning. These are truly easy slow cooker Swedish meatballs that taste incredible, and they’re so simple to whip up, even on the busiest days. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly satisfying and makes mealtime a breeze.

Amazing Taste: The rich, savory sauce combined with tender meatballs is pure comfort food bliss.
Minimal Prep Time: Seriously, you just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work, making these simple slow cooker Swedish meatballs incredibly convenient.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Even picky eaters adore these meatballs, making dinner stress-free.
Budget-Friendly: Using frozen meatballs and pantry staples keeps this meal affordable.
Crowd-Pleaser: They’re perfect for game days, potlucks, or any gathering.
Effortless Dinner: Enjoy delicious, homemade-tasting food with almost no effort.
Creamy Goodness: You’ll absolutely love the lusciously creamy slow cooker Swedish meatballs sauce that coats every bite.

Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Gathering your ingredients for these delightful easy slow cooker Swedish meatballs is a breeze! You’ll need just a few pantry staples to create that irresistible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious slow cooker meatballs with gravy:

32 ounce package frozen homestyle meatballs – no need to thaw, just toss them in!
1.5 cups low-sodium beef broth – this forms the savory base of our sauce.
1 can cream of mushroom soup – adds a wonderful creaminess and depth of flavor.
0.5 cup half and half – for extra richness and a velvety texture.
0.5 cup sour cream – a key ingredient for that classic tangy, creamy finish.
2 Tbsp cornstarch – this acts as our thickener, ensuring a luscious gravy.
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce – adds a touch of umami and complexity.
0.5 tsp salt – to enhance all the flavors.
0.5 tsp pepper – for a little kick.
0.5 tsp onion powder – boosts the savory notes.
0.5 tsp garlic powder – essential for that aromatic base.
0.5 tsp paprika – for a hint of color and mild flavor.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish) – adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Making these delicious slow cooker Swedish meatballs couldn’t be simpler, and the result is pure comfort food magic. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to get that homemade taste with minimal effort. These are truly wonderful homemade slow cooker Swedish meatballs.

Step 1: Start by placing the entire 32 ounce package frozen homestyle meatballs directly into your slow cooker. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand, which makes this recipe incredibly convenient.
Step 2: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the 1.5 cups low-sodium beef broth, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 0.5 cup half and half, and 0.5 cup sour cream until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the rich, creamy sauce that will coat the meatballs.
Step 3: Add the thickeners and seasonings to the sauce mixture: whisk in 2 Tbsp cornstarch, 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, and 0.5 tsp paprika. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps.
Step 4: Pour this velvety sauce mixture evenly over the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir to ensure all the meatballs are coated, setting you up for success in achieving slow cooker meatballs no browning.
Step 5: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours. You’re looking for the meatballs to be heated through and the sauce to be wonderfully thick and creamy. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time is incredible!
Step 6: Once cooked, give the meatballs a final stir. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness before serving.
Step 7: Serve your amazing slow cooker Swedish meatballs hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Want to elevate your slow cooker game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make these meatballs truly special.

For an authentic taste, consider swapping paprika for a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. It really enhances the traditional Swedish flavor profile.
If you have a few extra minutes, searing the frozen meatballs before they go into the slow cooker adds a richer depth of flavor and a slightly better texture.
A little brightness goes a long way! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice stirred in right before serving can cut through the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Don’t have Worcestershire sauce? Steak sauce is a decent substitute, offering a similar tanginess.

What’s the secret to perfect slow cooker Swedish meatballs?

The magic lies in the creamy sauce base. Using cream of mushroom soup and sour cream creates that signature richness, while cornstarch ensures it thickens perfectly, giving you authentic slow cooker Swedish meatballs without any fuss.

Can I make slow cooker Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire slow cooker meal the night before for easy slow cooker Swedish meatballs for dinner. Just store the sauce and meatballs separately in the fridge and combine them in the slow cooker in the morning. Or, cook them fully and refrigerate the finished dish.

How do I avoid common mistakes with slow cooker Swedish meatballs?

A common pitfall is an overly thin sauce; make sure to fully dissolve the cornstarch in the liquid before adding it to the slow cooker. Also, avoid overcooking, as the meatballs can become dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

These savory meatballs are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. They’re so easy to prepare, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Classic Comfort: Serve your slow cooker Swedish meatballs over a bed of fluffy egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. The rich gravy perfectly coats either option, making for a truly comforting meal.
Rice Option: For a slightly lighter feel, try serving them alongside fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up that delicious sauce beautifully.
Party Perfect: Keep them warm in the slow cooker for gatherings. They’re a hit as appetizers served with toothpicks, or as a main dish alongside a simple salad and crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for these delicious slow cooker Swedish meatballs. This recipe makes about 6 servings, and while the exact numbers can vary based on the specific brands you use, this gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying.

Calories: 450kcal
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 950mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Proper slow cooker Swedish meatballs storage is key to enjoying these delicious meatballs later. Once cooked, let the meatballs and sauce cool down for about 30 minutes to an hour before storing. This helps prevent condensation in the container. Transfer the cooled meatballs and sauce into airtight containers. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Unfortunately, freezing is not generally recommended for this dish, as the creamy sauce can sometimes separate or become watery upon thawing.

Reheating is super simple! You can gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through the heating process to distribute the heat. Both methods work well to bring back that delicious, comforting flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

What are the best ingredients for slow cooker Swedish meatballs?

The key to fantastic slow cooker Swedish meatballs is a good quality frozen meatball and a rich, creamy sauce. Using a combination of beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and sour cream creates that signature flavor. For an even more authentic taste, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Many people find this combination to be the foundation of the best slow cooker Swedish meatballs recipe.

Can I use different types of meatballs?

Absolutely! While homestyle meatballs are fantastic, you can certainly experiment. Turkey meatballs or even a mix of beef and pork can work. If you’re looking for healthier options, consider gluten-free or even keto-friendly meatballs if they fit your dietary needs. Just ensure they are pre-cooked or suitable for slow cooking.

What should I serve with slow cooker Swedish meatballs?

These meatballs are incredibly versatile. They are traditionally served over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, which are perfect for soaking up that delicious gravy. Rice is another excellent option. For a lighter meal, a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli complement them beautifully.

Can I make slow cooker Swedish meatballs without cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with a can of cream of chicken soup or even a mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream. Some recipes also use a roux made from butter and flour to thicken the sauce, achieving a similar creamy consistency.

Variations of Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs You Can Try

While this recipe is wonderfully classic, I love experimenting with different twists to keep things exciting! Here are a few variations you might enjoy if you’re looking to mix things up.

Gluten-Free Delight: For a gluten-free slow cooker Swedish meatballs version, simply use gluten-free meatballs and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is also gluten-free. You can thicken the sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch if needed.
Keto-Friendly Option: If you’re following a keto diet, opt for low-carb meatballs. Thicken the sauce with a keto-friendly binder like xanthan gum instead of cornstarch, and use a sugar-free version of Worcestershire sauce. This makes for delicious keto slow cooker Swedish meatballs.
Flavor Boost: For a more traditional Scandinavian taste, try swapping the paprika for a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. A dash of Dijon mustard can also add a lovely subtle tang to the sauce, making them even more flavorful.
Extra Creamy: If you adore an incredibly rich and decadent sauce, you can increase the half and half to 3/4 cup and reduce the beef broth slightly. This will yield even more luxuriously creamy slow cooker Swedish meatballs.