These Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs are a cozy treat! Tender meatballs simmer in a creamy sauce, making them rich and comforting. Perfect over noodles or mashed potatoes.
Who doesn’t love a good meatball? They’re like little bites of joy! I love to have them ready in the slow cooker, so dinner is easy and delicious—just set it and forget it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef & Pork: Using a mix of these meats provides great flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead. You will still get tasty meatballs, but with less fat!
Breadcrumbs: If you’re out, you can crush crackers or stale bread as alternatives. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work as a suitable swap if you’re avoiding gluten.
Milk: Any type of milk works here. If you’re dairy-free, try almond milk or oat milk. They add moisture without the creaminess of dairy.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, go for half-and-half or milk mixed with a little cornstarch to thicken. You could also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist!
Spices: Allspice and nutmeg add a warm flavor profile. If you don’t have them, a pinch of cinnamon and black pepper can substitute, though they each bring a different taste.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Formed Meatballs?
Shaping meatballs is simple, but getting them uniform in size is key for even cooking. Here’s how:
- Use a cookie scoop or your hands; aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; this keeps them tender.
- If you find your mixture too wet, add more breadcrumbs a tablespoon at a time—it should hold together but not be dry.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Meatballs in a Skillet?
Browning meatballs adds flavor; here’s how to do it right:
- Heat oil or butter until hot but not smoking.
- Work in batches so the meatballs aren’t crowded; this ensures they brown evenly.
- Turn them carefully using tongs to get all sides brown. They only need about 2 minutes per side.
Feel free to ask questions if you need more tips or guidance on making this delicious dish! Enjoy cooking!
Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter, for browning
For the Sauce:
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 4 to 6 hours to cook on low in the slow cooker, or 2 to 3 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk. This will help make your meatballs moist!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
Now, add the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and chopped parsley to the breadcrumb mixture. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your meatballs might be tough!
3. Shape the Meatballs:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. They should be evenly sized for even cooking.
4. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes per batch. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked right now, just nicely browned. Once browned, transfer them to the slow cooker.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Pour this flavorful mixture over the meatballs in the slow cooker, covering them well.
6. Cook the Meatballs:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The meatballs should be tender and cooked through by the end of cooking.
7. Add the Creamy Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the heavy cream or sour cream until it’s smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the slow cooker, mixing gently to combine with the cooking liquids. Let it cook uncovered on high for another 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Final Touches:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Mix well and let it sit for a few more minutes.
9. Serve:
Spoon the Swedish meatballs and creamy sauce over your favorite egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color!
Enjoy your creamy, comforting Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs! They’re perfect for cozy dinners and always a hit!
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Can I Use Frozen Meatballs for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs! Just add them directly to the slow cooker with the sauce, but you may need to extend the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours on low or 30 minutes on high, until heated through.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and shape the meatballs the night before and store them in the fridge. Just add the sauce and cook them the following day. Alternatively, you can cook the whole dish and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, add a splash of beef broth or water while reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free soy sauce. You should have a delicious gluten-free version of Swedish meatballs!
