Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe - The Recipe Critic (2024)

Slow cooker Swedish meatballs braised in a rich and flavorful cream sauce. A combination of ground beef, pork, and warm spices make for a comforting and satisfying dish. Serve as an easy appetizer or hearty meal paired with mashed potatoes or egg noodles!

Complete your Swedish meatballs with these mashed potatoes and a side of roasted asparagus! It’s a hearty meal that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

I’m so excited to share this comforting slow cooker Swedish meatballs recipe with you. Let’s break it down- there are a couple key secrets to making meatballs that are extra juicy and tender. You’ve got to throw in a panade (fancy word for a starchy paste that makes them extra delicious), and then let them simmer gently, cooking low and slow. (The slow cooker does all the work here!) I’ve done tons of testing, so you’ll get that perfect texture and flavor every time you whip this up.

Using an electric slow cooker is the perfect vessel for braising meat over a long period of time. Compared to a stove top, the heating is more consistent and never gets above the boiling point. In other words, your meatballs won’t get overcooked! They’ll be nice and tender, not tough and dry. The spiced meatballs simmer in a lightly thickened beef broth, then cream is added at the end of cooking for some extra richness. I love this recipe because it’s virtually hands-off and a hit with the family every time. Let’s get started!

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are all about the perfect combination of ingredients! From juicy meatballs to a rich, flavorful sauce, each ingredient below plays a crucial role in making this dish so tasty. Check out the recipe card at the end of the post for measurements.

• Frozen Meatballs, Precooked: Frozen meatballs make preparing this dish so simple!
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Flour: Used to make the panade and thicken the sauce.
• Beef Broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce. Mushroom or vegetable broth will also work, but it will change the overall flavor of the dish slightly.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce. You can also use half and half for something a little lighter.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the flavor of these slow cooker Swedish meatballs with a tangy and savory taste.
• Dijon Mustard: So the sauce has a little extra tanginess and zing.
• Spices: I used a dash of allspice and nutmegs to give the meatballs a warm flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Make the slow cooker Swedish meatballs taste better overall.
• Noodles: Serve as a base for the Swedish meatballs, soaking up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs in a Slow Cooker

This recipe takes a little bit of prep work initially, but then it’s off to the slow cooker to let it work its magic! While these Swedish meatballs cook low and slow, you can go about your day and then come home to a hearty and delicious meal.

1. Add Meatballs to Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray then place the frozen meatballs in 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 for 2 hours on high, or low for 4 to 5 hours.
7. Serve: Garnish the Swedish meatballs with parsley, and serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.