Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- ½ cup finely diced sweet yellow onion
- ½ cup plain panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin oil
- 3 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
optional garnish
Directions
- 1
Using a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, heavy cream, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg.
- 2
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- 3
Using a 1½ tablespoon scoop, scoop out the meat mixture. Roll into a ball. Repeat until all the meat mixture is shaped.
- 4
Using a 12-inch skillet, over medium-high heat, add the extra virgin olive oil.
- 5
Brown the meatballs on both sides, then line the browned meatballs in the bottom of a 6 to 7 quart slow cooker. A few of the meatballs may have to sit on top of the others.
- 6
Keeping the skillet on medium-high heat, add in the butter.
- 7
Whisk the butter and leftover olive oil. Be sure to scrape the tasty brown bits left in the pan.
- 8
Whisk the flour into the oil/butter. Continue to whisk and cook the flour for 1 minute.
- 9
Whisk in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and cracked pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- 10
Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully pour the sauce over the meatballs. Cook on high for 3 hours.
- 11
Keep the slow cooker temperature on high. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the meatballs from the cooker.
- 12
Whisk in the heavy cream and sour cream. Replace the lid to the cooker and cook the sauce for an additional 30 minutes.
- 13
Turn the cooker off and add the meatballs back into the sauce. Evenly sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley. Serve while hot.
Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
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About this Recipe
Craving the comforting, savory taste of classic Swedish meatballs but want to avoid endless stirring at the stove? This Crockpot Swedish Meatballs recipe makes achieving that rich, creamy flavor easier than ever. You'll love how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by combining tender meatballs, made from a perfect blend of lean ground beef and ground pork, with a luxuriously rich and creamy sauce. The slow cooker allows the subtle spices like allspice and nutmeg to meld beautifully, infusing every bite with that signature Swedish meatball flavor. It's a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers homemade taste without the fuss, ideal for busy weeknights or stress-free entertaining.
What truly sets these meatballs apart is the generous amount of sour cream folded into the sauce at the end, providing a delightful tang and silken texture that balances the richness. The base sauce, thickened with a butter and flour roux and enriched with beef broth and heavy cream, develops incredible depth as it simmers. You'll find the meatballs themselves are seasoned meticulously with sweet onion, garlic, Worcestershire, and panko, ensuring they are flavorful and tender from the inside out.
What to Expect
When you prepare these Crockpot Swedish Meatballs, expect a dish that truly melts in your mouth. The meatballs are wonderfully soft and moist, enveloped in a thick, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to them. The aroma filling your kitchen as they simmer will be undeniably comforting and inviting. This is a hearty, satisfying meal that brings warmth and a touch of elegance to any dinner table, perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adjust the blend of ground meats; you can use all beef or all pork if preferred, though the combination offers the best texture and flavor. For an extra earthy note, a few sliced mushrooms could be sautéed and added to the sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can slightly reduce the allspice or nutmeg. While fresh parsley is an optional garnish, a sprinkle of fresh dill also makes a lovely addition, enhancing the classic Nordic profile.
Serving & Context
These creamy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are best served warm, generously ladled over fluffy egg noodles. They make an excellent main course for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or even a casual holiday gathering. Garnish with a bit of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.