Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are seared and then slow-cooked in a rich and savory cream sauce. They are warm, comforting and so delicious! For a complete meal, serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles with your favorite vegetable side.

Made without heavy cream, these Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are juicy, and tender and are bound to be your new favorite family dinner! They’re easy to make with ground turkey or chicken and a combination of flavorful seasonings. They are lower in fat than most authentic Swedish meatball recipes, yet they still taste wonderfully indulgent. They also make great leftovers and are freezer-friendly!

summary

• Easy to make in the slow cooker: In this recipe, the slow cooker does all of the work! Plus, it’s a great way to make meatballs because they are heated more consistently over a long period, and won’t turn out dry or overcooked.
• So tasty: Homemade Swedish meatballs are the perfect combination of tender meatballs smothered in a decadent sauce. Your family won’t be able to get enough!
• Healthy: For the meatballs, we’re using lean turkey or chicken, which is lower in fat and calories, but is still packed with protein. In addition, the sauce is made with any milk of your choice instead of heavy cream or half and half. We’ve even successfully made it with plant-based milk!

Ingredients needed

The list of ingredients for this easy Swedish meatballs recipe might look a bit lengthy but there’s nothing fancy needed. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Meat: Use either ground chicken or ground turkey for moist meatballs that are lower in fat and calories.
• Breadcrumbs: Makes the meatballs nice and tender.
• Milk: Adds the perfect amount of moisture to the meat.
• Egg: One egg will help bind the ingredients together.
• Seasonings: A blend of salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and ground allspice gives the meatballs incredible flavor.
• Olive oil: For searing the meatballs in a pan.
• Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is the base of the creamy sauce giving it extra flavor. You may also use chicken broth.
• Milk: Use any milk you’d like for a creamy sauce.
• Cornstarch: This is mixed into the sauce to help thicken it.
• Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the flavor with savoriness.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang to the sauce which helps balance the richness.
• Optional garnish: We like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and freshness.

How to make swedish Meatballs

Once you’ve formed and seared the meatballs, it’s off to the crock pot! While these cook to perfection, you can go on about your day! Here’s how they come together:

1. Mix meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the meat with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and seasonings. Stir very well, then allow the meat mixture to sit for 10 minutes.
2. Shape: Form into small meatballs (about 1 tablespoon of meat per meatball).
3. Sear: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in 2 batches, just until golden in spots, then set aside.

4. Mix sauce and cook: In the slow cooker, whisk all the ingredients for the Swedish meatball sauce. Add in the seared meatballs and gently stir to coat them with the cream sauce. Cook on LOW for 3 hours.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

Expert tips

• Over-mixing: To avoid the meat mixture from becoming tough, it’s important not to over-mix it.
• Rolling the meatballs: Put a little bit of olive oil on your hands, to make rolling these easier, plus you’ll get more even balls!
• Cream: For a richer, thicker, creamier sauce, you can sub the milk for heavy cream or half and half.
• Warm setting: If your crockpot has a warm setting, you can keep the meatballs in the slow cooker until you’re ready to serve. This method of making Swedish meatballs is great for making ahead of time and for gatherings like parties or potlucks.
• Use a different meat: you can use other types of meat in place of ground turkey. Some ground chicken breast will work great. Ground beef is also another option to consider.

Frequently asked questions

Serving suggestions

These Swedish meatballs are so good with a variety of different side dishes! Here are a few ideas for you:

• Cauliflower Mash
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes
• White Rice
• Roasted Veggies
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Whole Roasted Cauliflower
• Healthy Mashed Potatoes
• Keto Cauliflower Mac n Cheese

Storage recommendations

• Storing leftovers: Place completely cooled meatballs and gravy in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• To freeze: Let the meatballs and gravy cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight, and then rewarm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

More meatball recipes to try

• Healthy Turkey Meatballs in Curry Sauce
• Vegetarian Meatballs
• Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
• Italian Baked Meatballs
• Cranberry Sauce Meatballs

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