Swedish Meatballs in the Crockpot – Easy & Creamy Recipe

Swedish meatballs in the Crockpot offer an easy, delicious, and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends. This recipe allows you to enjoy tender meatballs with creamy gravy, all cooked effortlessly in your slow cooker. Whether you’re preparing them as a main dish, serving them over noodles, or using them as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the beauty of making them in a Crockpot means you can set it and forget it!

Why You’ll Love Swedish Meatballs in the Crockpot

Swedish meatballs in the Crockpot are a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting, filling dish without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for meal prepping or busy evenings. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with perfectly cooked meatballs drenched in a creamy, savory gravy. The flavor is rich yet balanced, and you can customize it to fit your dietary preferences or tweak it for different meal occasions.

Ingredients

To create these tender and flavorful Swedish meatballs, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll be using:

• Lean Ground Beef: The main ingredient, offering a hearty and satisfying base for the meatballs.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a hint of tanginess to the flavor profile.

• Plain Breadcrumbs: These provide structure and moisture to the meatballs, making them tender.

• Large Eggs: Help bind the meat mixture together, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape.

• Onion Powder: Adds savory flavor to the meatballs without the texture of fresh onions.

• Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs, adding a light richness.

• Unsalted Butter: Essential for making a smooth, flavorful gravy.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the gravy, giving it a velvety consistency.

• Beef Broth: Provides a rich, savory base for the gravy.

• Sour Cream: This ingredient brings a creamy, tangy twist to the gravy, elevating the overall flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner alternative to beef, swap in ground turkey or chicken. This will change the flavor slightly but still provide a delicious outcome.

• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: If you need a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs.

• Dairy-Free Option: Replace sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Using a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the meat mixture and roll each portion into a ball.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they get a nice golden crust on all sides. It’s not necessary to cook them all the way through at this stage.
4. Transfer to the Crockpot: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker.
5. Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, cooking until the gravy thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream.
6. Cook the Meatballs: Pour the gravy over the meatballs in the Crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. The meatballs should be tender and fully cooked.
7. Serve: Once the cooking time is up, gently toss the meatballs in the gravy to coat. Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with a side of steamed vegetables.

Tips & Tricks

• Browning the Meatballs: While browning is optional, it enhances the flavor by developing a caramelized exterior on the meatballs. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and simply add the raw meatballs to the Crockpot, but the texture may be a little softer.
• Texture Enhancements: If you find the meatballs too dense, consider adding a splash of milk to the mixture for added moisture and softness.
• Gravy Consistency: If the gravy becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit more beef broth or water. If it’s too thin, let it cook longer to thicken.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Swedish meatballs in the Crockpot are wonderfully versatile, and there are plenty of ways to serve them. Here are a few pairing ideas:

• Egg Noodles: Traditional and perfect for soaking up the creamy gravy.

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic choice that complements the rich meatballs and gravy.

• Roasted Vegetables: Serve these meatballs with roasted carrots, peas, or green beans for a lighter, balanced meal.

• Side Salad: A fresh side salad with greens and a tangy vinaigrette will add a nice contrast to the richness of the meatballs.

For those who prefer a bit more heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy for a spicy kick. Alternatively, for a gluten-free version, serve the meatballs with gluten-free noodles or cauliflower mash.

Health Benefits of Swedish Meatballs in the Crockpot

This dish offers a good balance of protein and healthy fats, especially if you choose lean ground beef or substitute with turkey. It’s a comforting and hearty meal that can be customized to suit various dietary needs. Additionally, using a Crockpot allows for slow, even cooking, which helps retain the nutrients in the meat and gravy.

With this simple, tasty recipe, you can make Swedish meatballs in the Crockpot that will satisfy everyone at the dinner table—whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a more relaxed weekend dinner. Enjoy the flavors of Sweden with minimal effort!

Conclusion

Swedish meatballs in the Crockpot are the perfect combination of convenience and comfort. With minimal prep and effortless cooking, you can enjoy tender, flavorful meatballs drenched in a creamy gravy, all made in one pot. Whether you serve them over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with a side of roasted veggies, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy the entire family. Plus, the Crockpot does all the work, giving you more time to enjoy the meal with your loved ones. Make sure to try this recipe for an easy, delicious dinner or even as a fun appetizer for your next gathering!

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More Relevant Recipes

• Slow Cooker Shepherd’s Pie: A comforting and hearty dish featuring ground meat and vegetables in a savory gravy, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This dish shares the same slow-cooked goodness and rich flavors as Swedish meatballs in the Crockpot.
• Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings: This cozy and flavorful recipe uses the Crockpot to create tender chicken and fluffy dumplings in a creamy broth. It’s a comforting meal with a similar creamy texture and ease of preparation as Swedish meatballs.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Stew: A rich and hearty stew made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a savory broth. Like the Swedish meatballs, this recipe uses the slow cooker for convenience and features comforting flavors ideal for colder months.

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