Dinner

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs Recipe

ByLana Polati December 13, 2025December 13, 2025

Introduction

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs is a simple, comforting slow cooker recipe featuring frozen meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy gravy. Perfect served over fluffy mashed potatoes or your favorite noodles, this dish makes an effortless and satisfying meal.

A white bowl filled with a layer of twisted yellow pasta at the bottom, topped with a single layer of large, round meatballs covered in a light brown creamy sauce. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled on top of the meatballs, adding a fresh touch. The photo is taken from above, showing the smooth texture of the sauce, the soft texture of the pasta, and the specks of seasoning on the meatballs. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups beef broth
1 pint heavy cream
2 tablespoons soy sauce
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon salt
1 (28 oz) bag frozen meatballs (pork/beef blend recommended)
½ cup sour cream, room temperature

Instructions

Step 1: Grease a 6-quart crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In the crockpot, combine beef broth, heavy cream, soy sauce, flour, black pepper, rosemary, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 3: Stir in the frozen meatballs, making sure they are fully coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 6 hours to allow flavors to meld and meatballs to cook through.
Step 5: Remove the lid and whisk in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth. Cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to slightly thicken the gravy.
Step 6: Serve the meatballs and creamy gravy over mashed potatoes or noodles, and enjoy your comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and omit the sour cream or use a dairy-free alternative.
If you prefer a thicker gravy, add a tablespoon more of flour in Step 2 or reduce the cooking liquid slightly before adding sour cream.
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be added just before serving for extra freshness.
Use homemade meatballs if you have time — brown them first for added flavor before slow cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream-based sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl with a white base and a black square pattern, filled with three layers: at the bottom, there is a layer of yellow egg noodles with a slightly ruffled texture; above the noodles, there are large, round meatballs with a rough, textured surface coated with a thick, creamy, light brown gravy; the top layer includes small chopped green herbs sprinkled over the meatballs and gravy. The bowl sits on a wooden table with some scattered green herbs around it, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh or homemade meatballs. If using fresh, it’s best to brown them in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot to enhance flavor and texture.

What can I serve with Swedish meatballs?

Traditional sides include creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. Steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad also pair well to balance the richness of the gravy.