Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs- Easy Weeknight Dinner

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs are an easy comfort food dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy sauce made with cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, beef broth, and sour cream, this is a hearty meal the whole family will love.

Why this recipe works

Made with just six ingredients (plus noodles or rice if desired), this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekend dinners.

Here is what else you will like about this recipe.

• Making this recipe in a slow cooker means that is basically a 'dump and cook' recipe. You just add everything to the crockpot and let it do the work.
• This is a perfect family-friendly comfort food as it has creamy, savory flavors everyone enjoys.
• You can make this recipe about anywhere that you can plug in your slow cooker.
• These Swedish meatballs are perfect as an family dinner when served over egg noodles or rice, or when served as an appetizers at gatherings such as potlucks or tailgates!

Have you tried my recipe for Slow Cooker BBQ Kielbasa Bites?

Made with just four ingredients, those smokey sausage bites are sweet and savory.Both this recipe for Swedish Meatballs and that recipe for BBQ Kielbasa are easy to make recipes that are perfect for serving at potlucks or gatherings of about any kind.

These meatballs are traditionally served over egg noodles. You can find egg noodles here.

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

• Prep Time 10 minutes .
• Slow Cook Time 2 ½-3 hours on high, 5-6 hours on low .
• Servings 6 as a meal, more as an appetizer .
• How to serve : Serve over rice or egg noodles as part of a meal or with toothpicks as an appetizer.
• Notes: This recipe was made in a large Crockpot slow cooker.

1. Meatballs. You can prep your slow cooker for nonstick as desired. A liner or nonstick spray should work. Then place your frozen meatballs into the slow cooker.
2. Mix. In a mixing bowl, use a whisk or similar item to combine together the remaining ingredients except the sour cream (mushroom soup, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth) until well mixed.
3. Combine. Pour half of the ingredients in the mixing bowl over the meatballs and stir or toss. Repeat this process with the remaining bowl contents, stirring until the meatballs are all covered with the other ingredients.
4. Slow Cook. Slow cook frozen meatballs on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours , stirring occasionally. After slow cooking for four hours on low or two hours on high you can stir in your sour cream.
5. Serve. Serve your meatballs over rice, egg noodles, or as desired.

Tips for making the best Swedish Meatballs

For the best texture, use meatballs that are medium-sized and fully cooked before adding them to the crockpot. Avoid very soft or uncooked meatballs unless they’ve been pre-browned, since they can fall apart during cooking.

More helpful tips for you.

1. The sour cream should be added towards the end of slow cooking to to keep the sauce smooth and creamy without curdling. This can be anywhere from an hour to half hour before your meatballs are expected to be done slow cooking.
2. To thicken the sauce you can mix together a tablespoon cornstarch with a tablespoon cold water and then stir it into the slow cooker near the end. To thin out the sauce you can add a bit more beef broth, a splash of milk, or additional sour cream.
3. This recipe can be made using frozen or thawed meatballs. Frozen meatballs: Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Thawed meatballs: Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 1–2 hours
   Be sure the meatballs are heated completely through before serving. Stir the sour cream in near the end of cooking for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.

FAQ

• What kind of meatballs work best in this recipe?
  Homestyle Beef Meatballs – The classic choice for rich, savory Swedish meatball flavor.
  Beef and Pork Meatballs – Extra tender and flavorful with a traditional taste.
  Turkey Meatballs – A lighter option that still works beautifully with the creamy sauce.
  Italian-Style Meatballs – Can be used in a pinch, though they may add extra herbs and seasoning to the dish.
• Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
  Yes! Homemade meatballs work great in this recipe. For best results, brown or bake them first so they hold together well during slow cooking.
• Can I make these Swedish meatballs ahead of time?
  Absolutely. You can prepare the recipe a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.
• What should I serve with Swedish meatballs?
  Egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are all delicious with the creamy sauce.
• Can I use another soup such as cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom soup?
  Yes. Cream of chicken soup, for example, is a great substitute if you prefer a milder flavor or do not like mushrooms.

Variations.

• Instead of the usual meatballs, you can try turkey, chicken, or beef-and-pork meatballs depending on your preference. Each adds a slightly different flavor and texture.
• Make this meatball recipe lighter by using reduced-fat sour cream and turkey meatballs for a lighter version of this comfort food classic.
• Or you can make this recipe creamier by adding four ounces of cream cheese along with the sour cream for an even richer and creamier sauce.

How to Store Creamy Swedish Meatballs.

Once your meatballs have fully cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container. When properly stored, they should keep for up to four days when refrigerated or up to a few months when frozen. Leftovers can be microwaved, stopping to stir every 30 seconds, until heat through.

You may also be interested in these slow cooker recipes.

• CrockPot Taco Pasta Recipe
• Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Tenderloin
• Slow Cooker Root Beer Pulled Chicken
• Slow Cooker Velveeta Mac and Cheese
• 27 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes for Parties and Gatherings.
• 5 Day Slow Cooker Meal Plan