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Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs: The Ultimate Comfort Food


Looking for a rich, creamy, and ultra-comforting meal? These Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs are the perfect mix of convenience and flavor! Tender meatballs simmer in a savory, creamy gravy, creating a dish that’s perfect over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

The best part? This set-it-and-forget-it recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work. Whether you're making dinner for the family or prepping for a cozy night in, these homemade Swedish meatballs are sure to be a hit!


Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Hands-Free Cooking – Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Better than store-bought frozen meatballs!
✔️ Rich & Creamy Gravy – A delicious, buttery sauce infused with spices.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week.


Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp allspice
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.
  3. Lightly sear the meatballs in a pan over medium heat (optional, but adds flavor).

Step 2: Make the Gravy

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
  2. Slowly add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Slow Cook Everything

  1. Place meatballs in the slow cooker.
  2. Pour the prepared gravy over them.
  3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.

Step 4: Add the Cream

  1. Stir in heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  2. Let the sauce thicken and soak into the meatballs.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

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

Serving Suggestions

🍽 Classic Swedish Style – Serve with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes.
🍝 Over Pasta – Try with egg noodles or fettuccine.
🥖 With Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping in that creamy sauce!
🥗 On the Lighter Side – Pair with a fresh green salad.


Tips for Perfect Swedish Meatballs

✔️ Use a Mix of Beef & Pork – This keeps the meatballs juicy and flavorful.
✔️ Don’t Skip the Searing – Adds a deep, caramelized flavor.
✔️ Thicken the Sauce – If it’s too thin, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
✔️ Make It Ahead – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! Just add them straight to the slow cooker and cook as directed.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free butter for a creamy, non-dairy version.


Final Thoughts

These Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs are a game-changer—easy, delicious, and full of rich, cozy flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a must-try!

Try them out and let us know how they turned out! Want more slow cooker comfort food recipes? Stay tuned for more delicious meal ideas! 🍽🔥

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