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Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs are a cozy and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. This crockpot recipe makes dinnertime effortless and satisfying, made with tender beef meatballs simmered in a rich, savory gravy. Whether you’re looking for an easy family meal or a dish to impress guests, these Swedish meatballs bring incredible flavor with minimal effort!

This is the easiest recipe for Swedish meatballs you will ever find. These yummy Swedish meatballs with a delicious gravy are made in a crockpot!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work for you, making these Swedish meatballs easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time.
Tender and Juicy: Slow-cooking the meatballs in a flavorful gravy results in ultra-tender and juicy bites, perfect for cozy dinners.
Rich and Savory Gravy: The creamy, buttery gravy is a delicious departure from tomato-based sauces, adding a unique flavor that pairs wonderfully with beef.
Great for Leftovers: These meatballs keep well and reheat beautifully, making them a great option for meal prepping or enjoying on another night.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family meal or a special gathering, these Swedish meatballs are versatile, comforting, and always crowd-pleasing.

If you are used to traditional Italian meatballs with the red tomato sauce, try making Swedish meatballs for a change :) The sauce for the Swedish meatballs doesn’t have any tomatoes in it – it is a gravy made out of butter, flour and beef stock. When the meatballs are simmered in this tasty gravy, they are delicious!

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Ground Beef – The base for the meatballs, adding rich, savory flavor.
Dry Bread Crumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and adds texture.
Grated Onion – Adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the meatballs.
Eggs – Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs together.
Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out the meat’s flavor.
Oil – Used for browning the meatballs before slow cooking.
Butter – Adds richness to the gravy.
Flour – Thickens the gravy for a perfect consistency.
Beef Stock – Forms the base of the savory gravy that coats the meatballs.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Large Mixing Bowl – For mixing the meatball ingredients.
Non-Stick Frying Pan – Used to brown the meatballs and prepare the gravy.
Spatula – Essential for flipping and handling the meatballs while browning.
Measuring Cups and Spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
Slow Cooker – The star equipment that makes these Swedish meatballs perfectly tender and flavorful.

To make these yummy meatballs, all you need to do is shape the meat mixture into meatballs, brown them and put in a crockpot. Pour the easy gravy over the meatballs, start the slow cooker and the tasty hot meal with be ready for you!

How To Make Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated onion, eggs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until everything is well combined.
Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add oil.
Form the beef mixture into meatballs and place them in the frying pan, making sure they don’t touch each other.
Brown the meatballs for about 3 minutes on one side, then carefully flip them to brown the other side for another 3 minutes.
Transfer the browned meatballs to the slow cooker.
In the same frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sprinkle in the flour. Stir continuously for about a minute to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the beef stock while stirring until the mixture starts to thicken, creating a smooth gravy.
Pour the gravy over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Set the slow cooker to Low and cook for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, and enjoy their rich, savory goodness!

Using the crockpot to cook Swedish meatballs makes this Swedish meatballs recipe super easy! If you try this slow cooker recipe for Swedish meatballs, you will never want to make them the old-fashioned labor-intensive way!

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Swedish meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting meal.
Pair with buttered egg noodles to soak up the rich gravy.
Add a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for a balanced plate.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Enjoy as an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping in the easy gravy – perfect for parties or gatherings!

Tips For Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh ground beef and avoid frozen meat for the meatballs. Freshly grated onion adds more moisture and sweetness than pre-chopped alternatives.
Don’t Skip the Browning Step: Browning the meatballs in the frying pan before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor and helps them hold together. It only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Make a Smooth Gravy: When adding flour to the melted butter, keep stirring to prevent lumps from forming. Slowly add the beef stock while stirring to create a smooth, rich gravy.
Set the Slow Cooker to Low: Cooking the meatballs on a low setting allows the flavors to develop deeply and keeps the meatballs tender. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but the texture is best when cooked on low.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: After the meatballs and gravy have finished cooking, taste the sauce and add a bit more salt or pepper if needed. Every brand of beef stock can vary in saltiness, so a final adjustment ensures perfect flavor.
Add a Creamy Twist: For extra richness, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end of the cooking process. It will give the gravy a luscious, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the meatballs.

Variations And Substitutions

Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Keep in mind that leaner meats may cook faster, so check them after 5-6 hours on low.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy. This keeps the recipe safe for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor.
Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute a plant-based butter for the regular butter and use a dairy-free beef-flavored broth to keep the rich taste in the gravy.
Keto-Friendly Meatballs: Use almond flour in place of bread crumbs to reduce the carb content, making these meatballs suitable for a low-carb or keto diet.
Spice It Up: For a twist on traditional Swedish flavors, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the meatball mixture. These spices add a warm depth that pairs well with the beef and gravy.
Add Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh parsley or dill, chop some and mix it into the meatball mixture. This adds a burst of freshness and an herbal aroma to the dish.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerating Leftovers: Place any leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure they are fully cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing for Later: For longer storage, these meatballs freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating in the Microwave: Place a portion of meatballs and gravy in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Reheating on the Stovetop: For best results, reheat the meatballs on the stovetop. Add a splash of beef broth or water to the pan, cover, and warm over medium heat until the meatballs and gravy are heated evenly.
Reheating in the Slow Cooker: If you’re serving a larger portion later, you can reheat the meatballs on Low in the slow cooker. Add a small amount of beef stock to prevent drying, and warm until they reach the desired temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, these meatballs are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the meatballs and gravy up to a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, place everything in the slow cooker and follow the recipe instructions.

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought frozen meatballs is a convenient option. Simply skip the browning step, place the frozen meatballs in the slow cooker, and cover with the gravy. Cook on Low for 6-8 hours to allow the flavors to blend.

How can I make the gravy creamier?

For an extra creamy gravy, stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or sour cream once the meatballs are done cooking. This will give the sauce a richer texture and a slightly tangy flavor that complements the meatballs perfectly.

Can I cook these Swedish meatballs on High?

Yes, you can cook the meatballs on High if you’re short on time. However, the texture is best when cooked on Low. If using the High setting, cook for 3-4 hours, checking for doneness.

What should I serve with Swedish meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, which soak up the delicious gravy. You can also serve them with rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs should be tender and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when tested. If you’re cooking on Low for the full 6-8 hours, they should be fully cooked and incredibly tender.

Other Easy Meatball Recipes

Air Fryer Beef Recipe: These air fryer beef meatballs are quick, juicy, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect appetizer or main dish.

Instant Pot Rice-Stuffed Meatballs: Tender and flavorful, these Instant Pot rice-stuffed meatballs are a comforting meal with minimal prep time.

Low-Carb Keto Meatballs in Oven: These oven-baked keto meatballs are low in carbs but high in flavor, making them a delicious option for a low-carb lifestyle.

Cheese-Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs: Bursting with gooey mozzarella in every bite, these cheese-stuffed meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic.

Simple Oven-Baked Italian Meatballs: Easy and flavorful, these Italian meatballs bake to perfection in the oven, perfect for pairing with pasta or as a hearty snack.

Instant Pot Meatballs in Marinara Sauce: Juicy and tender, these Instant Pot meatballs simmer in marinara sauce, ready to serve over pasta or on a sub roll.

Keto Turkey and Spinach Meatballs: These keto-friendly turkey and spinach meatballs are light, healthy, and packed with protein, ideal for a low-carb meal.

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