swedish meatballs slow cooker recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
swedish meatballs slow cooker recipe
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The Best swedish meatballs slow cooker recipe

I’ve been making Swedish meatballs for my family for years, and they’re always a hit. The dish originates from Sweden, where it’s known as ‘Köttbullar.’ It’s a staple in many Swedish households, and I’ve adapted the recipe to be made in a slow cooker.

The meatballs are typically made with a combination of beef and pork, but you can use ground turkey or beef if you prefer. I love how tender and flavorful they turn out after cooking in the slow cooker all day. My kids love helping me mix the ingredients together, and they always ask to be involved in the process of forming the meatballs.

It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking, and it’s also a fun activity for us to do together as a family. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make. You simply mix all the ingredients together, form the meatballs, and let the slow cooker do the rest.

It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion like holidays or parties. I’ve even served these meatballs at potlucks and gatherings, and everyone always raves about them. In addition to being delicious, this recipe is also relatively healthy compared to other meatball recipes.

You can make it with lean ground beef or turkey, and you can also serve it with a variety of vegetables like carrots or zucchini to make it more nutritious.

Swedish Meatballs in Slow Cooker

Swedish Meatballs in Slow Cooker

4.8 from 1724 votes

Tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a creamy, savory sauce made in the slow cooker. This classic Swedish dish is perfect for a comforting dinner or party appetizer.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time4 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 20 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

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 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 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

For Garnish

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg.
2Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
3Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
4Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
5Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned, about 5 minutes per batch.
6Transfer the browned meatballs to a slow cooker.
7In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
8Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
9Gradually whisk in beef broth and bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened, about 2 minutes.
10Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
11Season with salt and pepper.
12Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
13Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
14The sauce should be creamy and slightly thickened.
15Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
16Serve hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with lingonberry jam.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Baking sheet
Slow cooker
Whisk
Small saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 130mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. To keep meatballs moist, do not overmix the meat mixture. If sauce is too thin after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into sauce, then cook on high for 15 minutes.

Watch Video Of How Swedish Meatballs in Slow Cooker Works

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it as an appetizer or main course, and it’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.

The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can just set it and forget it while you’re busy with other things.

I like to serve these meatballs with toothpicks or small skewers so everyone can easily grab one off the platter without having to touch any utensils.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Meatballs in Slow Cooker

1.

Q: What is the difference between Swedish meatballs and Italian meatballs?
A: Swedish meatballs are typically made with a combination of beef and pork, whereas Italian meatballs are usually made with ground beef and are often smaller in size.

2.

Q: Can I make these meatballs in advance?
A: Yes, you can mix all the ingredients together up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.

3.

Q: How do I prevent the meatballs from becoming too dry?
A: Make sure not to overmix the ingredients together, as this can cause them to become dry and tough.

4.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute different types of cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for the Parmesan called for in this recipe.

5.

Q: How do I reheat leftover meatballs?
A: You can reheat leftover meatballs by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

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