Name: Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or beef/pork mix; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup beef broth; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon parsley; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you love the comforting, rich flavors of traditional Swedish cuisine but want a simple, hands-off way to enjoy it, this Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender, juicy meatballs simmered slowly in a luscious, creamy mushroom gravy, filling your home with the warm aroma of homestyle goodness. Perfectly paired with buttery mashed potatoes or your favorite noodles, this dish brings cozy vibes and crowd-pleasing taste with very little fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend treat, these meatballs deliver classic Swedish comfort in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various clear glass bowls and measuring cups arranged neatly. In the center-left, there is a large clear bowl filled with many small, round, brown meatballs with a textured surface. Surrounding it are smaller clear bowls: at the top center is a small bowl with finely chopped garlic, to the right is a bowl filled with chopped white onions, next to it is a small bowl of red spice powder, and below that is a small bowl of ground black pepper. On the bottom left, there is a clear measuring cup with white liquid, likely milk, and next to it on the right is a bowl of thick white creamy sauce with a slightly lumpy texture. Below that is another clear measuring cup filled with brown liquid, probably broth, and next to it is a small bowl with a dark brown sauce, possibly soy sauce. In the bottom right corner, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley with vivid leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in building the dish’s character—from the savory meatballs to the velvety gravy—making sure your final result is flavorful, rich, and just downright irresistible.

1 pound ground beef or beef/pork mix: The hearty base for tender meatballs with plenty of flavor.
½ cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them moist and soft.
1 egg: Acts as a natural binder for perfectly shaped meatballs.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle depth of savory warmth.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Introduces subtle sweetness and enhances the meat flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten the dish.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Forms the creamy, earthy base of the gravy.
1 cup beef broth: Adds richness and moisture to the sauce.
½ cup sour cream: Gives the sauce that silky, tangy finish classic to Swedish meatball gravy.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a dash of umami complexity to deepen flavor.
1 teaspoon parsley: Offers a fresh herbal note to brighten up the creamy sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining ground beef or your beef/pork mix with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mixing everything evenly ensures each meatball has the perfect balance of flavor and texture that will stay tender during cooking.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into small, uniform meatballs—roughly one inch in diameter works best. This size allows them to cook evenly and soak up the creamy gravy without falling apart.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)

For an extra layer of flavor and a lovely golden exterior, brown the meatballs quickly in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. This step is optional but highly recommended if you have the time since it adds depth and texture to your Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe.

Step 4: Place Meatballs in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned or raw meatballs carefully into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. This will help them cook evenly and stay intact.

Step 5: Prepare and Pour the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and parsley. Pour this creamy mixture gently over the meatballs, making sure they’re well coated. This sauce is what turns your meatballs into that classic Swedish delight.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker to low and let the magic happen for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours if you’re in a hurry. The slow simmer allows the meatballs to absorb the luscious gravy while becoming melt-in-your-mouth tender.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe

A close-up of a white shallow dish filled with around a dozen round meatballs covered in a creamy beige sauce. The sauce is smooth and coats each meatball evenly, with some small flecks visible. Bright green chopped herbs sprinkled on top add color contrast. A silver spoon rests inside the dish, partially covered with sauce and positioned on the right side. The surface beneath the dish is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill can elevate your Swedish meatballs instantly, lending a burst of color and freshness. For an authentic touch, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg right before serving—this subtle spice highlights the creaminess and brings a classic warmth to each bite.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines when paired with cozy sides like fluffy mashed potatoes or soft egg noodles that soak up every drop of the savory gravy. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also complement the richness perfectly, offering balance and variety on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Look beyond the traditional! Serve the meatballs atop creamy polenta for a modern twist or pile them high on toasted baguette slices as a unique appetizer. For a fun family meal, turn the dish into hearty meatball sliders or serve with a side salad to add freshness and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even more after a day, so leftovers can taste even better than the fresh batch!

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled meatballs with sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to three months, making this a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or last-minute comfort food cravings.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave to keep the sauce creamy and the meatballs tender. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickened too much during storage to restore that perfect consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen meatballs make this dish even more convenient. Just add a bit more cooking time on low to ensure they are heated through and soak up the tasty gravy.

Is it necessary to brown the meatballs first?

While browning isn’t required, it does add fantastic flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still have a delicious dish, but browning is a wonderful bonus if you want to elevate your Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream, and choose a cream of mushroom soup that’s dairy-free. This way, you keep the creamy texture without the dairy.

What’s the best way to ensure meatballs don’t fall apart in the slow cooker?

Use the right amount of binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and egg, and gently place meatballs in the slow cooker without stirring too much once cooking begins. Browning meatballs beforehand can also help them hold together better.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Of course! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a little kick that pairs surprisingly well with the creamy, savory flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting and satisfying about this Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe that just makes every bite feel like a warm hug. It’s a simple, fuss-free way to bring authentic, cozy Swedish flavors to your dinner table while spending minimal time in the kitchen. I absolutely encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food to share with family and friends.