Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy

I’ve been making Crockpot Swedish Meatballs for years, and this recipe never fails to impress. It’s the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself while you go about your day.

I still remember the first time I made Swedish meatballs in my slow cooker. I was nervous about the gravy turning out right, but when I lifted that lid, the aroma was incredible. The meatballs were perfectly tender, swimming in the most velvety, rich sauce. Now it’s my go-to recipe when I need something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs recipe transforms simple frozen meatballs into a restaurant-quality meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day. The creamy gravy with hints of nutmeg and allspice makes every bite irresistible.

What You’ll Need for These Swedish Meatballs

I always use good quality frozen meatballs for this recipe because they hold up beautifully during the long cooking time. Pro tip: look for beef or turkey meatballs with a higher meat content for the best texture and flavor.

• 26 ounces frozen meatballs (fully precooked, beef or turkey recommended)
• 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium gives you better control)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds subtle tang)
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (freshly grated is amazing)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Egg noodles for serving (wide noodles work best)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but pretty)

I recommend using heavy cream for the richest gravy, but half-and-half works if you want to lighten things up. The allspice and nutmeg are what give these Swedish meatballs their signature flavor, so don’t skip them.

How to Make This Slow Cooker Recipe

I prefer making the gravy on the stovetop first because it gives you better control over the consistency and prevents any lumps from forming in your Crockpot Swedish Meatballs.

Step 1: Spray your slow cooker generously with non-stick cooking spray. Add the frozen meatballs directly to the bottom. No need to thaw them first, which saves you time.

Step 2: Melt the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t brown. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour quickly to create a roux. Keep whisking for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color and smells slightly nutty.

Step 3: Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps from forming. Add the heavy cream next, continuing to whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and starts to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, allspice, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Taste the gravy at this point. It should be slightly salty and rich with warm spice notes. Pro tip: go easy on the salt initially since it will concentrate during cooking.

Step 5: Pour the hot, creamy gravy over the meatballs in the crockpot. Make sure all the meatballs are coated. Use a spoon to gently stir if needed, but don’t overmix.

Step 6: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4-5 hours. The meatballs should be heated through and the gravy will thicken beautifully. If available, gently stir once after 1 hour (high) or 2 hours (low) to ensure even coating. If the gravy seems too thick, add a splash of beef broth.

Step 7: About 20 minutes before serving, prepare your egg noodles according to package directions. Drain well. Serve the Crockpot Swedish Meatballs over the hot noodles and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Perfect Pairings for Swedish Meatballs

These meatballs pair beautifully with sides that can soak up that incredible creamy gravy.

Buttered Egg Noodles: The classic choice that never disappoints. The wide, flat noodles catch all that luscious gravy perfectly.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes turn this into the ultimate comfort meal, especially on cold winter nights.

Steamed Green Beans: The crisp texture and fresh flavor balance the richness of the Crockpot Swedish Meatballs beautifully.

Lingonberry Jam: For an authentic Swedish touch, serve a small spoonful on the side. The tart-sweet flavor cuts through the creamy gravy.

Roasted Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and turnips add earthy sweetness and make this a more complete meal.

Simple Garden Salad: A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty meatballs.

More Delicious Slow Cooker Comfort Meals

These Crockpot Swedish Meatballs pair wonderfully with other comforting slow cooker recipes that make weeknight dinners effortless. For another creamy chicken favorite, try the rich Crock Pot Honey Garlic Chicken with its sweet and savory glaze, or the indulgent Crockpot Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken that melts in your mouth.

When planning hearty family meals, serve these Swedish meatballs alongside warming soups like the flavorful Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or the classic Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup. For a complete comfort food feast, pair with sides from the Texas Roadhouse Dinner Rolls to soak up all that delicious gravy.

Storing Your Leftover Meatballs

Store leftover Crockpot Swedish Meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The gravy may thicken as it cools, which is totally normal. I actually think the flavors get even better the next day as everything has time to meld together.

To reheat, warm the meatballs gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or cream if the gravy has gotten too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Pro tip: These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze in portion-sized containers so you can thaw just what you need. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes these Swedish meatballs perfect for meal prep or those nights when you need dinner fast.

Your Questions About Swedish Meatballs Answered

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