Crockpot Swedish Meatballs Recipe

So you’re craving something warm, cozy, and downright delicious—but also don’t feel like actually cooking? Wow, what a coincidence… same. Lucky for both of us, these Crockpot Swedish Meatballs basically cook themselves while you go live your best life (or your laziest life… no judgment).

Why This Recipe Is Awesome

Let me give you the rundown on why these Crockpot Swedish Meatballs deserve a permanent spot in your comfort-food rotation:

• It’s idiot-proof—seriously, even I didn’t mess this one up.
• The slow cooker does 97% of the work. You handle the other 3% by dumping things in. That’s it.
• The meatballs get smothered in a creamy, dreamy, gravy that tastes like a warm hug.
• Perfect for busy days, lazy days, emotionally exhausted days… really all the days.
• Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor. Like magic, but tastier.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grab this stuff and let the crockpot magic begin:

• Frozen meatballs (homemade? Sure… but why?)
• Beef broth
• Heavy cream
• Sour cream (for that silky, “I’m fancy” vibe)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Cornstarch (because we need thick gravy—runny is sadness)
• Butter
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Salt & pepper
• Fresh parsley (if you’re feeling like a responsible adult)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dump your frozen meatballs straight into the crockpot. No pre-cooking. No thawing. No stress.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Pour it over the meatballs like you’re blessing them with flavor.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. The meatballs should be tender, warm, and swimming happily in sauce.
4. Mix heavy cream and cornstarch in a small bowl to make a slurry. If you’ve never done this before, congrats—you’re officially a saucemaker.
5. Stir the slurry and sour cream into the crockpot. Let it cook 20–30 minutes until the gravy is thick, creamy, and everything smells like heaven.
6. Taste, adjust seasoning, and add butter for extra silkiness because… why not?
7. Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or straight from the crockpot with a spoon. No judgment here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the cornstarch slurry. Don’t just dump cornstarch straight in unless you enjoy lumpy gravy chaos.
• Over-salting too early. The sauce reduces a bit—wait till the end to adjust.
• Using low-fat dairy. Why punish yourself like that?
• Forgetting to stir in the sour cream at the end. Hot tip: adding it too early makes it curdle. And no one wants chunky gravy.
• Walking away without tasting. Rookie mistake—your taste buds deserve better.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• Frozen meatballs: You can use turkey or chicken meatballs if you’re trying to “be good.”
• Heavy cream substitute: Half-and-half works… kind of. But expect a thinner, less luxurious sauce.
• Sour cream: Greek yogurt is the “I’m trying to be healthy” option. IMO, it’s fine, but not as good.
• Beef broth: Chicken broth works in a pinch. Veggie broth works if you want to confuse everyone.
• Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce + a splash of vinegar can fake it surprisingly well.

FAQs

Can I use homemade meatballs?

Absolutely—if you’re feeling ambitious or trying to flex on someone.

Do I have to use a crockpot?

Technically no. But then it wouldn’t be a crockpot recipe… and you’d have to put in effort.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try—use coconut cream and DF sour cream. Will it taste the same? Eh, close enough.

Will this freeze well?

Yes! Just freeze the meatballs before adding the dairy. Add it fresh when reheating.

What should I serve it with?

Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or honestly… a slice of bread. Carbs love gravy.

Can I make it thicker?

Yep—add more cornstarch slurry. Just don’t turn it into concrete.

Is this kid-friendly?

Kids love it. Adults love it. Dogs will stare at you while you eat it. So… yes.

Final Thoughts

There you go—creamy, cozy, soul-soothing Crockpot Swedish Meatballs that basically make themselves. Whether you’re feeding your family, trying to impress someone, or just treating yourself (which you totally should), this recipe delivers every single time.

Now go live your best comfort-food life and whip up a batch. You’ve earned it.