Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers melt-in-your-mouth meatballs in a rich, velvety sauce without much effort. Cooking in a crockpot allows flavors to meld beautifully, and the result is a satisfying classic that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Ground beef
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Breadcrumbs
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Egg
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Onion (finely chopped)
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Garlic (minced)
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Salt and pepper
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Beef broth
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Worcestershire sauce
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Dijon mustard
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Sour cream
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All-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
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Butter or oil
Directions
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In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
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In a skillet, heat butter or oil and brown meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through).
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Transfer browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
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In the same skillet, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour over meatballs.
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Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
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About 30 minutes before serving, stir sour cream into the slow cooker.
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Mix flour or cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry and add to the slow cooker to thicken the sauce if needed.
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Stir gently and cook uncovered for the remaining time.
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Serve meatballs and gravy over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Variations
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Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
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Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for extra richness.
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Include fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor.
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Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?
Yes, freeze cooked meatballs and gravy separately for best results.
Can I skip browning the meatballs?
Browning adds flavor but can be skipped to save time.
How do I prevent gravy from separating?
Add sour cream off heat and stir gently; don’t boil after adding.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, but add at the end and avoid boiling.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and cornstarch.
How thick should the gravy be?
It should coat the back of a spoon but remain pourable.
Can I cook this on high all day?
Cooking on high for 2-3 hours works well; avoid overcooking.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, carrots, peas, or mushrooms are great additions.
How do I serve Swedish meatballs?
Over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, mild flavors and creamy sauce appeal to kids.
Conclusion
Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make meal perfect for any day. With tender meatballs and rich gravy, this slow cooker recipe delivers classic flavors with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a creamy, savory gravy made with sour cream and beef broth. This easy slow-cooker recipe creates a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days and satisfying family dinners.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 large egg
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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½ cup sour cream
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1 tbsp butter or oil (for browning)
Instructions
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In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into small meatballs.
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Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (they do not need to be fully cooked).
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Transfer browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
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In the same skillet, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture over the meatballs.
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Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
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About 30 minutes before serving, stir sour cream into the slow cooker.
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Mix flour or cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker to thicken the gravy as needed.
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Cook uncovered for the remaining time, stirring gently.
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Serve meatballs and gravy over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken.Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for extra flavor.Fresh herbs like dill or parsley nhance the taste.Pair with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
