Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about Swedish meatballs—those tender, flavorful bites of meat swimming in a creamy, rich sauce. With this easy Swedish meatball recipe, you get all the cozy flavors without the hassle. Using a slow cooker means less effort and more time to savor the aroma as these delightful meatballs simmer to perfection. Whether you’re serving them over egg noodles or with mashed potatoes, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

PIN IT

Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Swedish

Servings 6

Equipment

• Slow cooker also called a crock pot
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet for optional browning
• Large spoon
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped

For the Sauce

• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water slurry
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, mix all the meatball ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
   PIN IT

Form the Meatballs

1. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. If desired, brown them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side before transferring to the slow cooker.

Assemble in the Slow Cooker

1. Place the meatballs in the crock pot. In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this over the meatballs.
   PIN IT

Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.

Thicken the Sauce

1. In the last 30 minutes, mix the cornstarch slurry and stir it into the sauce. Let it cook until the sauce thickens.

Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Pairings

These crock pot Swedish meatballs pair wonderfully with buttery egg noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a side of lingonberry jam for a traditional touch. A crisp cucumber salad or roasted Brussels sprouts make excellent veggie accompaniments. For drinks, a glass of chilled Riesling or a light lager complements the dish beautifully.

FAQs

1. What kind of meat should I use?

A mix of ground beef and pork gives the best flavor and tenderness, but you can use all beef if preferred.

2. Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can substitute with store-bought frozen meatballs and still enjoy delicious homemade Swedish meatballs with this method.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the milk for a non-dairy alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.