Get ready to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort! These Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a creamy, dreamy sauce made with rich beef broth and a touch of sour cream. Swedish meatballs, known as köttbullar, are a traditional dish in Swedish cuisine, typically served with lingonberry jam and creamy sauce. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone gathering around the table, eager for a taste. Serve them over fluffy egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, and watch as smiles spread all around. Trust me, this dish is a warm hug in a bowl!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Trust me, you’re going to love the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of these meatballs!
- This one’s a game-changer for busy weeknights—set it and forget it!
- The creamy sauce is a hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy dinners.
- Kid-approved and family-friendly, everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Easy cleanup means more time to enjoy your delicious creation!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Side Dish |
| Cuisine | American-inspired comfort food |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot and cheesy right off the cob! |
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – a hearty base for your meatballs, providing rich flavor. When using ground beef, it’s essential to handle it safely to prevent foodborne illnesses. fsis.usda.gov
- Ground Turkey – a leaner alternative that keeps the meatballs moist.
- Breadcrumbs – helps bind the meatballs together for a perfect texture.
- Egg – acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape.
- Onion – adds a savory depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
- Garlic Powder – enhances the overall taste with a hint of warmth.
- Salt – essential for bringing out the flavors of all ingredients.
- Black Pepper – adds a subtle kick to the meatballs.
- Beef Broth – provides moisture and richness to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream – creates a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats the meatballs.
- Parsley – freshens up the dish with a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Recipe
Get ready to create a cozy meal that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Collect ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Don’t forget the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream for that creamy sauce!
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. It’s okay if they’re not perfect—homemade is always best!
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
If you want a little extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for a few minutes. This step is optional but adds a nice touch!
Step 4: Prepare the Crock Pot
Spray your Crock Pot with non-stick spray or use a liner for easy cleanup. Place the meatballs in the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and a dollop of sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs
Gently pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs in the Crock Pot. Make sure they’re all coated in that delicious goodness!
Step 7: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better—let those flavors meld!
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, serve your Swedish meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Dig in and enjoy the comfort!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier option.
For extra flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the meat mixture.
Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting touch.
Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.
How to Serve
- Serve over fluffy egg noodles for a classic touch.
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
- Enjoy with a side of steamed broccoli for a fresh crunch.
- Top with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve in a sub roll for a delicious meatball sandwich.
- Accompany with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Use as a filling for stuffed bell peppers for a twist.
- Pair with cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
•Allow the meatballs to cool completely before storing.
•Transfer to an airtight container.
•Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
•Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
•Place cooled meatballs in a freezer-safe container.
•Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
•Seal tightly to avoid freezer burn.
•Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
•Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
•Reheat in a slow cooker on low until warmed through.
•Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
•Add a splash of broth or cream to maintain moisture.
Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
Equipment
- 1 Crock Pot Spray with non-stick spray or use a liner for easy cleanup.
- 1 Skillet Optional for browning meatballs.
- 1 Large Bowl For mixing meatball ingredients.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Ground Beef A hearty base for your meatballs, providing rich flavor.
- 1 lb Ground Turkey A leaner alternative that keeps the meatballs moist.
Binders
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatballs together for a perfect texture.
- 1 large Egg Acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape.
Flavorings
- 1 medium Onion Adds a savory depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder Enhances the overall taste with a hint of warmth.
- 1 tsp Salt Essential for bringing out the flavors of all ingredients.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Adds a subtle kick to the meatballs.
Sauce
- 2 cups Beef Broth Provides moisture and richness to the sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Creates a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats the meatballs.
- 1/4 cup Parsley Freshens up the dish with a pop of color and flavor.
Instructions
Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect ground beef, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and beef broth. Don’t forget the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream for that creamy sauce!
Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. It’s okay if they’re not perfect—homemade is always best!
Brown the Meatballs (Optional)
- If you want a little extra flavor, heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs for a few minutes. This step is optional but adds a nice touch!
Prepare the Crock Pot
- Spray your Crock Pot with non-stick spray or use a liner for easy cleanup. Place the meatballs in the bottom of the pot.
Mix the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, combine beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and a dollop of sour cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Pour the Sauce Over the Meatballs
- Gently pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs in the Crock Pot. Make sure they’re all coated in that delicious goodness!
Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better—let those flavors meld!
Serve and Enjoy!
- Once cooked, serve your Swedish meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Dig in and enjoy the comfort!
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen meatballs are a great time-saver. Just add them directly to the Crock Pot without thawing. They will cook perfectly in the sauce.
What can I serve with Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs?
These meatballs pair wonderfully with egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve them over a bed of steamed vegetables for a lighter option.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your broth and sauces are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting dish.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs, a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia with every bite! It’s so simple to whip up, and the rewards are absolutely delicious. Gather your loved ones, serve it over some comforting noodles or mashed potatoes, and watch their faces light up. Enjoy this delightful recipe, and let the cozy vibes fill your home!
