These slow cooker Swedish meatballs might be one of the best things I’ve ever made on a chilly day. I tossed everything in before lunch, and by dinner, the house smelled like pure comfort.
These meatballs are tender, juicy, and bathed in the creamiest, coziest gravy. I served them over mashed potatoes, and the kids practically licked their plates clean.
What I love most is how hands-off this recipe is. You don’t have to stand over a stove or do anything fancy. The slow cooker does all the work, and by the end of the day, you’ve got a warm, hearty meal that feels totally homemade but takes barely any effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These slow cooker Swedish meatballs are everything you need in a comfort meal—creamy, savory, and packed with flavor.
The meatballs stay tender thanks to the slow simmer, and the gravy is rich without being heavy. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out.
And let’s talk convenience—no browning, no fancy steps. Just toss it all in and let it cook low and slow while you go about your day. It’s a great recipe for weeknights, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want to impress the family without breaking a sweat.
What You’ll Need
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
Pro Tips
- Grate the onion finely. It adds flavor and moisture without big chunks in your meatballs.
- Don’t overmix the meat. Mix just until combined so the meatballs stay tender.
- Pre-roll the meatballs. Roll all the meatballs before starting to keep things simple and even.
- Use a cookie scoop. It helps make perfectly portioned, evenly-sized meatballs.
- Let the sauce rest. After adding sour cream, let the sauce sit for a few minutes on warm so it thickens beautifully.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cutting board and grater (for onion)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slow cooker (4–6 qt)
- Whisk (for the slurry and sour cream)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- All beef: You can use all ground beef if you don’t have pork—just note the flavor will be slightly different.
- No breadcrumbs: Use crushed crackers or oats if you’re out of breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your Worcestershire and broth are GF.
- Make it dairy-free: Sub plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream for sour cream.
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms stirred into the gravy make it even more savory.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep meatballs in advance: Form meatballs and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freeze uncooked meatballs: Place on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen (add 1 hour to cook time).
- Make the full recipe ahead: Store cooked meatballs and gravy in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Double it: This recipe doubles easily if you have a large slow cooker—perfect for meal prep or guests.
How to Make Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, milk, garlic powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until just combined. Roll into 1½-inch balls.
Step 2: Place in Slow Cooker
Add the raw meatballs directly to the slow cooker in a single layer (it’s okay if some stack slightly).
Step 3: Add Broth and Flavor
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pour over the meatballs.
Step 4: Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are fully cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Gravy
In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker, cover, and cook on HIGH for 15–20 more minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
Step 6: Add the Sour Cream
Turn the slow cooker to WARM. Stir in sour cream until smooth and well combined. Let rest for 5–10 minutes to finish thickening.
Serving Suggestions
These Swedish meatballs are perfect served over:
- Mashed potatoes
- Egg noodles
- Steamed rice
- Cauliflower mash (for a low-carb option)
- Buttered rolls on the side
Add a side of green beans, roasted carrots, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Freezer: Freeze meatballs and gravy in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat tip: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep the gravy smooth.
Nutrition & Benefits
These meatballs are rich in protein and comforting flavor. The pork adds moisture and richness, while the creamy gravy feels indulgent without using a lot of heavy ingredients.
Using simple pantry staples like broth and sour cream makes this a fuss-free, family-style meal that satisfies both flavor and nutrition.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Use plain frozen meatballs and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours before continuing with the sauce.
2. Do I have to brown the meatballs first?
Nope! This version skips browning and still turns out tender and flavorful.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain full-fat Greek yogurt works well, just stir it in slowly to avoid curdling.
4. What if my gravy is too thin?
Just add a little more cornstarch slurry and cook on HIGH for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker can handle the volume and add an extra 30–45 minutes to cook time if needed.
Comforting, Family-Friendly, and Ready When You Are
These slow cooker Swedish meatballs are one of those cozy meals you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Whether you’re making Sunday dinner or prepping an easy weeknight meal, they’re comforting, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly satisfying with almost no hands-on time. Cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor—this is slow-cooked love in a bowl.