Slow cooker Swedish meatballs are braised in a rich and flavorful cream sauce . Combining ground beef, pork, and warm spices makes for the most comforting and satisfying meal.

Overhead shot of slow cooker Swedish meatballs.  - 1

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make : I love this recipe because it’s virtually hands-off and a hit with the family every time. You’re going to love it!
  • Tradition : So many people go to Ikea to get their Swedish meatball craving fix. This recipe is even better and made simple with the slow cooker.
  • Crowd Pleaser : Swedish meatballs have a mild, creamy flavor that appeals to both kids and adults. You can serve it over noodles , rice , or mashed potatoes .

How to Make Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

This Swedish meatballs recipe takes a little bit of prep work initially, but then it’s off to the slow cooker to let it work its magic!

  1. Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, then place the frozen meatballs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. Butter and Flour Mixture: For the sauce, melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a paste.
  3. Add Liquids: Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream.
  4. Mix in Spices and Seasonings: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, allspice, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer until the sauce starts to thicken. Then, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Pour Into Slow Cooker: Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
  6. Cook: Cover and cook the meatballs on high for 2 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours.
  7. Serve: Garnish the Swedish meatballs with parsley, and serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Set of 4 process shots with meatballs in a slow cooker and sauce simmering in a pot.  - 2

Freezer Meal Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Instructions:

  1. Add the frozen meatballs to a gallon-sized, freezer-safe, sealable storage bag and set aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk the flour into the butter to create a paste.
  3. Slowly whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream until smooth. Add in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, allspice, nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool nearly to room temperature. Pour the cooled sauce into the bag with the meatballs.
  5. Press out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and freeze it flat for better storage.

Reheat:

  1. Remove the bag from the freezer one hour before cooking to allow it to thaw slightly on the counter.
  2. Place the contents of the bag into a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours until the meatballs are heated through.
  3. Serve over egg noodles or rice and enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Customize your slow cooker Swedish meatballs just the way you like them with these extra tips and tricks!

  • Beef Broth : Mushroom or vegetable broth will also work, but it will change the overall flavor of the dish slightly.
  • Adjust the creaminess: Use half and half for a lighter sauce, or add extra heavy cream, or even a spoonful of sour cream, for a richer, creamier finish.
  • Customize Sauce Thickness: Adjust the flour amount to control the thickness of the sauce. For a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour; for a lighter one, use less.
  • Serve with lingonberry sauce: The sweet-tangy flavor balances the richness, just like the classic Ikea combo.
Close up shot of a scoop of slow cooker Swedish meatballs. - 3

All Things Swedish Meatballs

I know how much you love my Swedish meatballs ! I’ve rounded up every version, from quick and easy to homemade favorites! You can find them all in one place!

Pin this now to find it later

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 26 ounces frozen meatballs, precooked
  • ▢ 4 tablespoons butter
  • ▢ 3 tablespoons flour
  • ▢ 2 cups beef broth
  • ▢ 1 cup heavy cream
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ▢ dash allspice
  • ▢ dash nutmeg
  • ▢ salt and pepper to taste
  • ▢ egg noodles

Instructions

  • Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, then place 26 ounces frozen meatballs, in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • For the sauce, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons flour and whisk to create a paste.
  • Slowly stir in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup heavy cream .
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce , 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , dash allspice , and dash nutmeg . Bring to a simmer until the sauce starts to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste .
  • Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
  • Cover and cook the meatballs for 2 hours on high or low for 4 to 5 hours.
  • Garnish the Swedish meatballs with parsley, and serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles .

Video

Notes

  • Fridge: Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or warm on the stove, stirring until heated through.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Overhead shot of plated Swedish meatballs over egg noodles.  - 4

Perfect Sides to Go With Swedish Meatballs

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs - 5 Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs - 6

Side Dishes

Dad’s Famous Mashed Potatoes

30 minutes

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs - 7 Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs - 8

Salads

Copycat Olive Garden Salad

15 minutes

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs - 9 Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs - 10

Side Dishes

How to Make Perfect Instant Pot Rice

20 minutes

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs - 11

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Ingredients

  • 26 ounces frozen meatballs, precooked
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • dash allspice
  • dash nutmeg
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • egg noodles

Instructions

  • Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, then place 26 ounces frozen meatballs, in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • For the sauce, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons flour and whisk to create a paste.
  • Slowly stir in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup heavy cream .
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce , 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , dash allspice , and dash nutmeg . Bring to a simmer until the sauce starts to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste .
  • Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
  • Cover and cook the meatballs for 2 hours on high or low for 4 to 5 hours.
  • Garnish the Swedish meatballs with parsley, and serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles .

Video

Notes

  • Fridge: Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat: Microwave with a splash of water or warm on the stove, stirring until heated through.

Nutrition

QR code

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera to view this recipe on your mobile device.

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs https://therecipecritic.com/slow-cooker-swedish-meatballs/