Discover the comforting flavors of traditional Swedish cuisine with this easy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs recipe. Perfect for busy families and cozy gatherings, these savory beef and pork meatballs simmer in a creamy Swedish meatballs sauce, creating a delightful meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for hearty winter meals or festive party appetizers, this dish is a wonderful choice that brings warmth and satisfaction. The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef – Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, but if you prefer a richer flavor, you can use a blend with a little more fat.
  • 1 pound ground pork – This adds moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Plain or seasoned breadcrumbs can be used; for a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • 1/4 cup milk – Whole milk adds richness; however, you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk if you’re avoiding dairy.
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion – Yellow or white onions work best, providing sweetness and depth to the meatballs.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped – Fresh herbs brighten the flavors; if not available, dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though the flavor will be less vibrant.
  • 1 large egg – This acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together. You can replace it with a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – This gives a subtle garlic flavor; fresh minced garlic can be used for a more pronounced taste.
  • 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste, keeping in mind that the Worcestershire and soy sauces also contribute saltiness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground pepper enhances the flavor; feel free to increase this for a bit of heat.
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 cups beef broth – Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish, or homemade broth for an extra layer of flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream – For a rich, velvety sauce; for a lighter version, use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – This adds a savory umami flavor; make sure it’s gluten-free if necessary.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce – For depth and seasoning; tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option) – This thickens the sauce; consider using cornstarch as a gluten-free thickener if needed.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust these seasonings based on your preference and the saltiness of the broth.

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-combined but don’t overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough. Aim for a uniform mixture where all ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. This size is ideal for even cooking and serving. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper as you go to keep them from sticking.
3. Brown the Meatballs (optional): For added flavor, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This step is optional but recommended for a deeper flavor. Browning creates a nice crust that enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.
4. Transfer to Crockpot: Place the meatballs in the slow cooker. You can stack them slightly, but avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Leaving some space allows the heat to circulate and cook them thoroughly.
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and flour. Stir until well combined and there are no lumps. This step is crucial for a smooth sauce that will coat the meatballs beautifully.
6. Combine in Crockpot: Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot, ensuring they are well coated. This not only flavors the meatballs but also keeps them moist during cooking.
7. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. The sauce should be bubbling and thickened at this point, rich with the flavors of the meat and seasonings.
8. Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. This final adjustment can elevate the dish, making it perfectly seasoned to your liking.

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors often deepen after sitting, making for a delicious second serving.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them. Just shape the meatballs and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process. This makes weeknight dinners quicker and more convenient.
• Avoid Common Mistakes: Ensure you use a mix of meats for the best flavor and texture. Overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to dense meatballs, so mix just until combined. Also, ensure that your meatballs are of uniform size for even cooking.
• Pro Techniques: For a more intense flavor, add a splash of sherry or brandy to the sauce before cooking. This adds depth to the creamy Swedish meatballs sauce and elevates the dish to a gourmet level.

Variations

Customize your Crockpot Swedish Meatballs by incorporating different herbs or spices that reflect your taste. For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour. You can also use ground turkey for a leaner meatball option while still packing in flavor. For a vegan alternative, swap ground meats for a plant-based meat substitute and use coconut cream for the sauce. You can learn more about this topic and discover additional variations that suit your dietary preferences or culinary explorations.

Print

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Recipe by m h

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Swedish Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 6 +

⏱️

Prep Time

30 min

🍳

Cook Time

8 hr

🔥

Calories

—

Discover the comforting flavors of traditional Swedish cuisine with this easy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs recipe. Perfect for busy families and cozy gatherings, these savory beef and pork meatballs simmer in a creamy Swedish meatballs sauce, creating a delightful meal that's sure to please everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well-combined but don’t overmix.

2.

Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.

3.

For added flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown (optional).

4.

Place the meatballs in the slow cooker, stacking them slightly but avoiding overcrowding.

5.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and flour until well combined.

6.

Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot, ensuring they are well coated.

7.

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

8.

Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed.