You know those times when you just want something cozy, delicious, and just fancy enough to feel like you’ve got it all together?
Meet Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs—the ultimate comfort food hero. Think tender, juicy meatballs in a rich, creamy sauce that’s so good it could be its own food group. And the best part?
Your slow cooker handles everything while you binge your favorite show or half-heartedly tackle the laundry.
This recipe gives you all the warm, homey vibes without the kitchen hassle. Serve it over noodles, mashed potatoes, or just grab a spoon—no judgment.
Trust me, your taste buds (and maybe your dinner guests, if you’re feeling generous) will thank you. Ready? Let’s do this!
Why This Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe Works
The slow cooker takes the work out of this dish, turning simple ingredients into a comforting, flavorful meal. Here’s what makes it special:
- Tender Meatballs – The slow cooker makes the meatballs so tender and flavorful. They soak in all the savory sauce while cooking.
- Rich Sauce – The sauce is creamy and packed with flavor. The combination of sour cream and beef broth creates the perfect balance of tang and richness.
- Minimal Prep – Mix, roll, and let the slow cooker do the work. You don’t have to keep an eye on it—just let it simmer.
- Hearty and Satisfying – The combination of meatballs and creamy sauce is filling and perfect for a comforting meal.
It’s a dish that delivers both comfort and convenience, making it a go-to for any night of the week.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
This recipe uses a few simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and comforting meal:
- Ground Beef – The meatballs are made with ground beef mixed with bread crumbs, eggs, and seasonings.
- Beef Broth – Provides the base for the rich and flavorful sauce.
- Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and tang to the sauce.
- Onions and Garlic – These aromatics add depth and savory flavor to the meatballs and sauce.
- Egg Noodles or Mashed Potatoes – For serving. Both work perfectly to soak up the creamy sauce.
These ingredients create a dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
How to Make Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Making Swedish meatballs in the slow cooker couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to put it all together:
- Make the Meatballs – In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion powder, and garlic. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs – Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. This step is optional but adds extra flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce – In the slow cooker, combine beef broth, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion. Stir to mix.
- Cook – Add the meatballs to the slow cooker, making sure they’re submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Serve – Once the meatballs are cooked through, serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor.
This dish practically makes itself—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are great on their own, but here are some sides that complement the dish:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Egg Noodles | The soft noodles soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. |
| Mashed Potatoes | A classic pairing for soaking up all that creamy sauce. |
| Steamed Vegetables | Broccoli or green beans add freshness and crunch to balance the richness of the meatballs. |
| Garlic Bread | Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce. |
| Simple Salad | A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh contrast to the creamy meatballs. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Leftovers of this dish make for great meals later. Here’s how to store and reheat:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the meatballs cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully heated.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat leftovers in the slow cooker on low for about 1 hour.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Brown the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker. While optional, this step adds extra flavor and texture to the meatballs.
- Use a mixture of ground beef and pork for a more flavorful meatball.
- Add extra flavor with a dash of Worcestershire sauce or dried thyme in the sauce.
- Serve with extra sauce—if you like a lot of sauce with your meatballs, simply double the sauce ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs for this recipe. Just add them straight to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour on low.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before slow cooking.
3. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version of these meatballs.
4. Can I skip the browning step?
Yes, you can skip browning the meatballs. They will cook just fine in the slow cooker, though the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! You can add carrots, peas, or potatoes to the slow cooker for extra flavor and texture.
This slow cooker Swedish meatballs recipe is everything you want in a comfort food meal—rich, creamy, and so easy to make. With minimal effort and big flavor, it’s a perfect addition to your recipe collection.
Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the meatballs and sauce
- Large Skillet For searing the meatballs (optional)
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef or chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
- 12 ounces egg noodles or your favorite pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, beef broth, garlic, and mushrooms. Stir until smooth and pour over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 2.5-3 hours until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Once cooked, shred the meatballs using two forks and stir them back into the creamy sauce.
- While the meatballs cook, prepare the egg noodles according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over the egg noodles, and garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Double the sauce for extra creamy goodness!
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
About The Author
