easy slow cooker swedish meatball recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
easy slow cooker swedish meatball recipe
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The Best easy slow cooker swedish meatball recipe

I love serving Swedish meatballs at family gatherings and parties. They’re easy to make, delicious, and can be served with a variety of sides. The slow cooker makes it so easy to cook them, just throw all the ingredients in and come home to a hot meal.

My kids love helping me make the meatballs, they get to mix everything together and roll them out into little balls. It’s a fun and tasty recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I’ve been making Swedish meatballs for years, and they never disappoint.

The combination of ground beef and pork gives them a rich flavor, and the breadcrumbs add a nice texture. I also like that they’re relatively healthy compared to other meatball recipes. My family devours them in minutes, so I always make sure to have extra ingredients on hand.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve the meatballs with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with toothpicks. The options are endless!

My kids also love helping me come up with creative ways to serve them, it’s fun to get their input on meal planning. The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can come home to a hot meal without having to spend all day in the kitchen.

Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

4.7 from 933 votes

Tender homemade meatballs simmered in a creamy, savory gravy for a comforting meal. This slow cooker version delivers classic Swedish meatball flavor with minimal hands-on effort.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 20 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Gravy

3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, chopped onion, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg.
2Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3Shape the mixture into 1.
5-inch meatballs, about 24 total, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil.
5Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides for about 2 to 3 minutes per batch, until they are golden brown and have a crust.
6Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker insert.
7In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
8Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light golden and smells nutty.
9Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
10Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
11Continue whisking until the gravy thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 to 3 minutes.
12Season with salt and pepper to taste.
13Pour the prepared gravy over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring all meatballs are coated.
14Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender when pierced with a fork.
15The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F.
16Serve the Swedish meatballs hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with a side of lingonberry jam.
17Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large skillet
Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 32g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 135mg🧂Sodium: 820mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. To make ahead, prepare and brown the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to slow cook. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Works

I always store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply cook them on low in the slow cooker or in a saucepan on low heat until heated through.

You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or until hot. This recipe is perfect for any occasion because it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be reheated as needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Q: What is the difference between Swedish meatballs and regular meatballs?

A: Swedish meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, which gives them a richer flavor than regular meatballs. They also typically contain breadcrumbs and spices that add texture and depth of flavor.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

A: Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of beef if you prefer a leaner option. However, keep in mind that turkey will have a slightly different flavor than beef.

Q: Do I need to thaw the frozen meatballs before cooking?

A: No, you do not need to thaw the frozen meatballs before cooking them in the slow cooker. Simply add them directly from the freezer and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Q: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make these meatballs ahead of time by preparing the mixture up to 24 hours in advance and storing it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q: Are Swedish meatballs gluten-free?

A: This recipe is gluten-free as written; however, if you choose to serve them with pasta or in a sub sandwich, be sure to use gluten-free options.

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