Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs (2024) (2024)

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Once I realized how well meatballs cook in the slow cooker, I had to come up with a great Swedish Meatballs recipe! And this is it!

Don’t be afraid of putting raw meatballs in the slow cooker – they turn out just fine. And this is a REALLY easy meatball recipe.

Of course, it will take a little bit of time to form the meatballs, but it’s worth it. And you can make then as big or as small as you’d like.

I think I made mine a little too big- when I had Swedish Meatballs as a kid, they were always fairly close to bite-sized.

But final verdict from the family? 5 stars all around, so homemade Swedish meatballs will be in the meal plans pretty often from now on!

So move over Ikea Swedish meatballs, this Mama has a great recipe to toss in the crock pot!

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: Low – 8 hours; Medium – 6 hours; High – 4 hours
• Main Ingredients: Ground beef, garlic powder, bread crumbs, milk, beef broth (or billion), and more
• Servings: 6
• Extras: Add mushrooms, broccoli, or other veggies to make the dish more complete, adding new tastes, textures, and colors to your meal
• Tip: Brown meatballs on the stove with a little olive oil to get a nice sear and lock in the liquids for juiciness

Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Ready to get started on the best homemade Swedish meatballs?

Place the meatballs in the bottom of the slow cooker, top with the beef broth (or bouillon and water), and spices and then cook.

Another cool thing about this delicious recipe is that you can cook them for as long or as short as you want.

The meatballs will be done after just a couple hours, but if you’re at work, there’s no harm in cooking them for the full 8-10 hours on low.

At this point, it will just look like meatballs in water.

So now it’s time for the creamy part! Make a roux (equal parts butter and flour) and then add some milk.

You could also use heavy cream if you want a stronger dairy taste to your sauce.

Get it nice and thick and then put it in the slow cooker and add the pasta. You might see some lumps at first in your Swedish meatball sauce, but you can just whisk them out.

Let it cook on high for about 20 minutes, and then add the sour cream. Mix it up well, and then serve!

This time I served it with pasta, but next time I’m going back to my old family classic- mashed potatoes!

Our kids love mashed potatoes, so we might go between the two in out meal plans.

Recipe Swaps

For those with dietary restrictions or taste preferences, this Swedish meatball recipe is quite adaptable.

These substitutions not only ensure that the dish suits your dietary needs but also allow you to experiment with flavors to find your perfect version of this comfort food classic.

The Meatballs

Want to make Swedish meatballs with some small changes?

If you want to skip ground beef, turkey or chicken can be used as lighter, leaner alternatives for the meatballs. (don’t forget to swap the beef broth for chicken broth if you need)

For a vegetarian option, try plant-based ground meat substitutes, though you might need to adjust cooking times slightly.

Gluten-free breadcrumbs or rolled oats pulsed in a food processor can replace traditional breadcrumbs to cater to gluten-free needs.

Not only can Swedish meatballs be made from any of these meats or meat alternatives, but you can also just buy remade meatballs if you want, Mama!

Nothing says easy dinner like getting something outta the freezer that’s already technically cooked.

If you’re using premade meatballs, the cook time will be less since you’re heating up the balls rather than cooking them.

The Gravy/Sauce

When it comes to the sauce for these delicious homemade Swedish Meatballs, the possibilities for accommodation are just as plentiful as with the meatballs themselves.

If you’re aiming for a lower fat option, consider using light or fat-free versions of the dairy components.

For those on a dairy-free diet, a blend of your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk combined with a dairy-free butter substitute can make a wonderful roux.

Just ensure the plant milk you choose doesn’t have a strong flavor that could overpower the sauce.

For a gluten-free version, swapping traditional flour for a gluten-free flour blend, or even cornstarch, for the roux to thicken the sauce, works beautifully.

Also, check if your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free or not- that can make a big difference!

Make sure to dissolve the cornstarch in a little bit of cold liquid first to avoid lumps in your Swedish meatball sauce.

But besides the main components of Swedish meatballs and sauce, what about flavor changes?

For a bit of a tangy twist, consider whisking in a spoonful of Dijon mustard and fennel seeds. The new flavor may be a nice change of pace!

For a more earthy flavor, you an add rosemary, thyme, and some garlic to give your gravy something different.

Veggies and Other Additions

To elevate your Swedish Meatballs into a complete, well-rounded dish, incorporating vegetables is a smart and tasty move.

Not only do veggies add color and texture, but they also increase the nutritional value of the meal.

Consider adding sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers into the crockpot during the last hour of cooking. These will soften and soak up the flavors of the sauce beautifully.

For those who love a bit of green, a handful of spinach or kale can be stirred in just before serving, ensuring the leaves wilt slightly without losing their vibrant color.

If you’re looking for a bit more substance, baby potatoes can be halved and added to the pot with the meatballs; they’ll cook to perfection in the flavorful broth.

Serving It Up

How you serve your Swedish meatballs is up to you, but here’s a few ideas.

This time I used penne, but I’m also a huge fan of eating smaller Swedish meatballs over egg noodles for great bite sizes.

Besdeis pasta, I mentioned before- we’re definitely going for mashed potatoes next time, they’ll be absolutely delicious together!

And my husband brought up a great idea: how do we feel about subs? Down the road, we could eat Swedish meatball subs for something different.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch for Swedish meatballs?

Absolutely! For those times when you’re short on prep time or just prefer the convenience, using frozen meatballs is a great alternative.

Just ensure they’re thawed before adding them to the slow cooker to maintain the cooking time and temperature consistency.

What can I serve with Swedish Meatballs?

Swedish Meatballs are traditionally served with a side of lingonberry sauce and mashed potatoes or egg noodles. (or any pasta!)

For a healthier twist, they also pair wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad.

How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to eat, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.

Is it necessary to brown Swedish meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker?

While it’s not strictly necessary to brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker, doing so can add an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Browning the meatballs in a pan before slow cooking can create a nice crust, but if you’re looking for convenience, you can skip this step without significantly impacting the overall dish.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for freezing!

Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Making this recipe gluten-free is simple.

Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs in your Swedish meatballs and substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux for the sauce.

Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, and you’re set to enjoy a gluten-free version of this classic comfort food.

Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?

Yes, you can certainly cook this recipe on the high setting of your slow cooker if you’re pressed for time.

Cook Swedish meatballs on high for about 3-4 hours, but be sure to check to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Keep in mind that cooking on high may slightly alter the texture of the meatballs and the sauce.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

If you’re out of sour cream or prefer not to use it, Greek yogurt is a great alternative that will still provide the creamy texture and tangy flavor the recipe calls for.

Make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt for the closest consistency and taste to traditional sour cream.

Adding it at the end of cooking, just like the sour cream, will prevent it from curdling.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t eaten Swedish meatballs before, this easy recipe is the perfect place to start!

Overall, this Swedish Meatballs Crockpot recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try and see for yourself how easy and delicious slow cooker meals can be!

And don’t forget to check out the other slow cooker recipes available for even more tasty options. Happy cooking!

Have you grabbed my Chaos to Control Starter Guide, yet? I might be biased but I think its pretty amazing! Check it out!