Name: Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487921H8M16S
Total time: PT-2H50M
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 2 lb ground beef; ½ c panko bread crumbs; 2 tsp dried parsley; 1½ tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp allspice; ½ tsp nutmeg; ½ tsp ground pepper; 1 egg; 1 egg yolk; 2 cups beef broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 3 tbsp cornstarch; ½ cup sour cream

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving cozy comfort food that tastes like it simmered all day but comes together with almost no effort, you have to try Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!). These juicy, seasoned meatballs are nestled in a velvety, creamy sauce that’s irresistibly savory with subtle hints of spice. Whether you pile them over a mountain of buttery noodles or serve them as party bites, they’ll quickly become a go-to dish whenever you want something satisfying and memorable. Let’s dive into every delicious detail of this classic dinner (made so easy thanks to the slow cooker), and see why Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) will win over anyone lucky enough to dig in.

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) is that you’re likely to have most of the ingredients on hand—and each one plays a starring role in building authentic flavor, hearty texture, and that signature golden color. Here’s why you’ll love each element in this recipe:

Ground Beef: Gives the meatballs a rich, tender bite and full, savory flavor—perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Panko Bread Crumbs: These keep the meatballs light and moist, absorbing juices and holding everything together beautifully.
Dried Parsley: Adds herby freshness and a burst of color in both the meatballs and garnish.
Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in both the meatballs and the sauce.
Onion Powder: Gives umami and mild sweetness—no chopping required!
Garlic Powder: Lends mellow garlic flavor that deepens during slow cooking.
Allspice: The secret spice; it delivers subtle warmth and that classic Swedish meatball aroma.
Nutmeg: This gentle spice adds an unmistakable Scandinavian touch and depth.
Ground Pepper: Offers a bit of heat and rounds out the gentle spices.
Egg & Egg Yolk: They bind the meatballs and yield a soft, tender, cohesive texture.
Beef Broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce—choose a high-quality broth for best flavor.
Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce its trademark silkiness and rich mouthfeel.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and an umami punch, balancing out the creaminess.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a gentle tang and complexity to the sauce.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect gravy-like consistency.
Sour Cream: Swirled in at the end for bright, tangy richness—don’t skip it!

How to Make Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!)

Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This might seem like a small detail, but giving the meatballs a short bake before they hit the slow cooker helps create a beautifully browned crust (that means more flavor!) and keeps them tender and juicy all the way through.

Step 2: Mix Up the Meatball Mixture

Grab a big mixing bowl and add in the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, dried parsley, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, allspice, nutmeg, ground pepper, egg, and egg yolk together. Gently mix everything with your clean hands—just until it’s combined. Over-mixing can make the meatballs dense, so aim for just cohesive, not packed tight.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop out two-tablespoon portions and roll them into one-inch balls. Arrange them in an even, single layer on your prepared baking sheet. You’ll end up with about 30 meatballs—perfect for dinner and leftovers the next day!

Step 4: Brown in the Oven

Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The goal isn’t to cook them fully, but to give them a golden crust. This step locks in juices and means the meatballs won’t fall apart as they finish cooking in your slow cooker.

Step 5: Transfer Meatballs to the Crockpot

Once they’ve got that perfect crust, transfer the meatballs into your crockpot. Don’t worry if you have to stack them—just make sure they’re distributed as evenly as possible so they all get some love from the sauce.

Step 6: Whisk Up the Sauce

In a large bowl, combine beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and cornstarch. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is silky and lump-free; this ensures your sauce thickens beautifully later on.

Step 7: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pour the sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re mostly covered. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 hours. For a thicker sauce, crack the lid slightly during the last 30 to 60 minutes so some of the steam can escape and the sauce can reduce into the creamy, dreamy consistency we’re after.

Step 8: Stir in the Sour Cream

Right when the meatballs are piping hot and perfectly cooked, stir in your sour cream. Do it gently—you’ll be rewarded with a luscious, glossy cream sauce that clings to every meatball. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper as needed.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or even a spoonful of lingonberry jam. Ladle your Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) over whatever you love—egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or just straight from the pot. Dig in while it’s warm and savor every bite!

How to Serve Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!)

Garnishes

Give your Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) the finishing touches they deserve! Sprinkle plenty of chopped fresh parsley on top for color and a bright, herby flavor. Add a generous spoonful of sour cream for extra creaminess, or go classic with a bit of tangy-sweet lingonberry jam to cut through the richness. These little extras aren’t just pretty—they’re downright delicious.

Side Dishes

When it comes to sides, you can’t go wrong with a fluffy heap of egg noodles—the sauce clings to every strand for maximum enjoyment. Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up all that savory gravy, or you could serve your meatballs over steamed white rice for a lighter twist. And if you want to add color and crunch, try a simple green salad or roasted veggies alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) are more versatile than you think! For a party, skewer each meatball with a cocktail stick and serve on a platter with a creamy sauce drizzle. Tuck them into slider buns with pickled cucumbers for a fun appetizer, or pile the meatballs onto a hearty open-faced sandwich. Leftovers make a wonderful sub filling, or stir them into a creamy soup for something totally unexpected!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) are truly a gift. Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making lunchboxes and busy nights easy and delicious. Just be sure to keep the meatballs and sauce together for best results.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, let the cooked meatballs and sauce cool, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. I suggest portioning out servings for easy, spontaneous meals—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce may separate a bit, but a quick whisk brings it all back together.

Reheating

To warm up your Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!), simply place them in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until heated through. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen things up. Microwaving also works—cover and heat in one-minute intervals, stirring so everything gets hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or pork instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works great if you want a lighter version, and pork adds beautiful richness—feel free to use half beef, half pork for the most traditional approach to Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!).

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in a pinch. It’ll still give you a wonderfully creamy, tangy sauce, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

The combination of egg, egg yolk, and panko bread crumbs is key to keeping the meatballs together. Gently mixing (don’t overwork!) and pre-baking helps them hold their shape through slow cooking.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) are perfect for a party. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough, or use two. You may need to add a few minutes of cooking time to ensure everything heats evenly.

Is it possible to make Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) gluten free?

To go gluten free, simply swap the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free crumbs and use a certified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce. Everything else in the recipe is naturally free of gluten.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about simmering a pot of Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!)—the whole house fills with the scent of spices and the promise of a comforting, irresistible meal. With simple ingredients, hands-off cooking, and melt-in-your-mouth results, this recipe is one you’ll want to make on repeat. Gather your loved ones, whip up a batch, and watch these crowd-pleasing bites disappear!

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (From Scratch!) Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 30 meatballs 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Delight in tender, flavorful Crockpot Swedish Meatballs made completely from scratch. These meatballs are a perfect blend of ground beef and aromatic spices, simmered in a rich, creamy sauce for a comforting meal that’s sure to please.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Form into meatballs and bake for 10 minutes.
Transfer to Crockpot: Place the meatballs in the crockpot.
Make the Sauce: Whisk together beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and cornstarch. Pour over the meatballs.
Cook: Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
Finish: Stir in sour cream, adjust seasoning, and serve garnished with parsley and lingonberry jam.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2-4 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Crockpot, Baking
Cuisine: Swedish