Crockpot Swedish Meatballs Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cozy comfort food that feels like a warm hug, then you absolutely have to try these Crockpot Swedish Meatballs. This recipe takes the beloved classic and makes it effortlessly easy by using a slow cooker to develop deep flavors while you go about your day. The tender meatballs swimming in a creamy, tangy sauce crafted with sour cream and rich beef broth promise a perfect balance of savory and indulgent that’ll quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, Crockpot Swedish Meatballs deliver an irresistible combination of simplicity and soul-satisfying taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the perfect Swedish meatball—simple, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. Together, they create a tender texture and creamy sauce that’s both hearty and comforting.

• 1 lb ground beef: Provides the main protein with a rich, robust flavor that forms the meatball base.
• 1/2 lb ground pork: Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, keeping the meatballs tender.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs from falling apart, while giving a light texture.
• 1/4 cup milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs, helping create a soft, cohesive meatball.
• 1 egg: Another binding agent that holds everything together and adds richness.
• 1 tsp onion powder: Brings a warm, savory depth that melds perfectly with the meat.
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Lends a mild garlicky zing without overpowering the delicate flavor profile.
• 1 cup beef broth: Forms the flavorful cooking liquid, infusing the meatballs with moisture and hearty taste.
• 1 cup sour cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy with a subtle tang that balances the richness.

How to Make Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Meatballs

Start by combining the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion powder, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl. Mix just until everything comes together to avoid toughening the meat. Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs. Then, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs lightly on all sides. This step is worth the extra bit of effort because it locks in flavor and adds a beautiful color to the meatballs that the slow cooker alone won’t achieve.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Meatballs

Transfer the browned meatballs into your crockpot. Pour in the beef broth around them, not directly on top, to preserve that beautiful crust. Set the slow cooker to low and allow the meatballs to simmer gently for 4 to 6 hours. During this time, the broth works its magic, slowly infusing the meat with savory goodness while the meatballs become melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 3: Finish with Sour Cream

When the cooking time is up, stir in the sour cream right into the crockpot. This transforms the broth into a silky, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every meatball. The tangy creaminess is a hallmark of authentic Swedish meatballs, and by adding it at the very end, the sauce stays fresh and luscious without curdling.

How to Serve Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or dill add a burst of green freshness and a lovely color contrast. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper on top also enhances the flavors without overwhelming the dish. Feel free to add a few lingonberries or cranberry sauce on the side for that traditional Scandinavian touch and a pop of tart sweetness.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs shine when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up every bit of the savory sauce. You can also serve them with buttered egg noodles for a more classic feel or steamed green beans for a lighter complement. Roasted root vegetables work wonderfully too, adding earthiness and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little playful, try serving these meatballs on slider buns with a dollop of sour cream sauce and pickled red onions for an irresistible party appetizer. Another fun idea is layering them over a bed of fluffy rice or cauliflower mash for a gluten-free twist that doesn’t skimp on comfort. No matter how you present these, Crockpot Swedish Meatballs will be the star of the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Swedish Meatballs store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze the meatballs with sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing, and leave space for expansion. Divide into portions for easy, ready-to-go meals on busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth, and add a tablespoon of milk or broth if it seems too thick.

FAQs

Can I use all beef instead of a mix of beef and pork?

Absolutely! Using all ground beef will still give you delicious meatballs. However, the pork adds extra moisture and tenderness, so you might want to add a splash of milk if using beef only.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before slow cooking?

While you can skip browning to save time, searing the meatballs first adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a nicer texture by creating a crust that holds up in the slow cooker.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time and freeze before cooking?

Yes, you can form the meatballs and freeze them prior to cooking. Just thaw in the refrigerator before browning and cooking in the crockpot for best results.

What can I substitute for sour cream if I’m dairy-free?

Coconut cream or a dairy-free sour cream alternative can work nicely. Keep in mind the flavor will be a little different, but still creamy and delicious.

How thick should the meatballs be for even cooking in the crockpot?

Aim for meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy without drying out or falling apart.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something magical about Crockpot Swedish Meatballs that combines ease, rich flavor, and that unforgettable creamy sauce that hits all the right comfort food notes. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker fan or just looking for a warm, satisfying dish to put on the table with minimal fuss, this recipe is a keeper. So grab your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work—your taste buds will thank you!

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