Indulge in the comforting flavors of Swedish Meatballs without the fuss! This incredibly easy recipe utilizes frozen meatballs, a rich and creamy sauce made with sour cream, steak sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and classic seasonings, all slow-cooked to perfection in your Crock Pot.
The Ultimate Easy Crock Pot Swedish Meatball Recipe: Flavorful & Fuss-Free
Are you searching for a delicious, comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this incredibly simple Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs recipe. After sharing our Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs, the demand for more effortless slow cooker recipes soared, and these Swedish Meatballs quickly became a fan favorite on The Country Cook. It’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor. If you’re a fan of succulent meatballs bathed in a rich, savory sauce, you’ll also adore our Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs, another fantastic slow cooker option.
“Made it for dinner tonight – turned out perfect and SO good!! Thank you so much – even my picky eaters really loved it!
– Theresa”
Why This Crock Pot Swedish Meatball Recipe is a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just easy; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights, effortless potlucks, or simply when you’re craving comforting food without spending hours in the kitchen. Using frozen meatballs significantly cuts down on prep time, allowing the slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting. The result is consistently tender meatballs enveloped in a creamy, savory gravy that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that appeals to almost everyone, from the pickiest eaters to seasoned foodies, making it a reliable choice for any occasion.
Beyond its simplicity, this recipe offers incredible versatility. While delicious served over classic egg noodles, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing you to customize your meal to your family’s preferences. The unique blend of ingredients creates a depth of flavor that tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day, even though your slow cooker did most of the work for you. Prepare to be amazed by how such a simple combination can yield such a rich and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Its rich texture and balanced flavor profile make it an instant hit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Easy Swedish Meatballs
These creamy Swedish Meatballs are traditionally served with egg noodles, which soak up the delectable sauce perfectly. For a complete and hearty meal, consider adding some steamed green beans for a touch of freshness and balance. And if you’re looking to truly impress, our Butter Swim Biscuits make an excellent accompaniment for dipping into the rich gravy. Don’t forget dessert! A classic like our Easy Homemade Blueberry Cobbler provides a delightful sweet finish to this savory dish. Other fantastic options include fluffy mashed potatoes, rice, a crusty baguette, or even roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli.
Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for feeding a crowd at parties, family gatherings, or potlucks. Just ensure you have a slow cooker large enough to accommodate the doubled ingredients. A larger 8-quart Crock Pot or two standard 6-quart ones might be necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can affect cooking evenness. When serving for a large gathering, a great tip is to gently mix the cooked egg noodles directly with the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker and keep it on the ‘warm’ or ‘buffet’ setting. This ensures everyone gets a perfect spoonful of both noodles and meatballs, and the noodles continue to absorb that wonderful flavor. For smaller family dinners, I prefer to let everyone serve themselves, allowing them to customize their portions of meatballs and sauce.
To be upfront, this recipe is a simplified, Americanized version of Swedish Meatballs, not an authentic, from-scratch traditional recipe. True Swedish meatballs often involve specific spice blends like nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes cardamom, and typically require making the meatballs from scratch using a specific blend of ground meats. While I deeply appreciate traditional culinary methods, this recipe is designed for maximum ease and comfort, using readily available ingredients for a delicious shortcut that doesn’t compromise on flavor. It’s incredibly popular for a reason! If you’re seeking a strictly authentic preparation, there are many fantastic resources for traditional recipes, but this one is all about convenience and deliciousness without the extra steps. Consider it a weeknight-friendly homage to a classic.
Certainly! If you have a beloved homemade meatball recipe, feel free to use it. Many home cooks enjoy the satisfaction of making their own. However, a crucial tip for this particular slow cooker method is to cook your homemade meatballs almost completely before adding them to the Crock Pot with the sauce ingredients. This is because homemade meatballs, especially those made with ground beef, tend to release a significant amount of grease during cooking. If not pre-cooked and drained, this grease can make your delicious gravy too oily, affecting its texture and richness. If you opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey, this might be less of an issue, but pre-cooking remains advisable to achieve the best sauce consistency and flavor. You may also need to adjust the slow cooker time slightly to ensure they are thoroughly heated through, as frozen meatballs are often pre-cooked or partially cooked.
No problem at all! While some stores carry “Swedish-style” frozen meatballs, they aren’t always easy to locate or consistently stocked. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. You can absolutely use your favorite brand of plain “homestyle” frozen meatballs. I’ve tested this recipe with various types, and they all work wonderfully in creating a rich, savory dish. The most important thing is to avoid using Italian-seasoned meatballs, as their distinct herb and garlic flavors will clash significantly with the creamy, savory, and slightly tangy profile of this Swedish meatball sauce. Look for labels like “homestyle,” “original,” “classic,” or simply “beef meatballs” for the best results, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
Storing leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal again and again. Transfer any remaining meatballs and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm them in a pot on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, use the microwave, stirring halfway through heating. For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little headspace for expansion. When reheating from frozen, do so slowly on the stovetop to prevent the creamy gravy from separating or becoming grainy. A word of caution: if you mixed the egg noodles directly into the meatballs before freezing, the noodles might become mushy upon thawing and reheating as they continue to absorb liquid. It’s generally best to cook fresh noodles when serving leftovers that have been frozen and thawed.
Key Ingredients for Effortless Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, utilizing readily available pantry staples to create a sophisticated flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient is essential, along with helpful tips for substitutions:
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (Low Sodium Recommended): Don’t let the name deter you, even if you’re not a mushroom fan! This soup acts as a fantastic base, providing a rich, savory body and helping to thicken the sauce without imparting an overpowering mushroom flavor. In fact, many people (including my family!) are surprised to learn it’s even an ingredient. For those seeking alternatives, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be substituted, but we highly recommend trying it with cream of mushroom for the authentic creamy texture this recipe is known for. You can also elevate the dish by making a Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup.
- Beef Broth (Low Sodium Recommended): Essential for creating the perfect sauce consistency and adding depth to the overall flavor. Opting for a low or no-sodium beef broth is crucial because many other ingredients in this recipe (like the cream of mushroom soup and dry onion mix) already contain significant sodium. This allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish, ensuring it’s flavorful without being overly salty, which is especially important for those monitoring their sodium intake. The broth helps to thin the condensed soup into a pourable, rich gravy.
- Dry Onion Soup Mix (or Homemade Dry Onion Soup Mix): This convenient packet is a powerhouse of flavor. It’s a seasoned blend that infuses the sauce with savory notes and a subtle oniony goodness without making the dish taste aggressively “onion-y.” It’s a quick way to add complexity and a savory aroma to the slow cooker. If you desire a more pronounced fresh onion flavor, you can sauté some fresh sliced onions until caramelized before adding them to the slow cooker at the beginning of the cooking process.
- A1 Steak Sauce: This is my secret weapon and truly distinguishes this recipe from others, adding a layer of hidden depth. A dash of A1 steak sauce contributes a unique, tangy, and savory background note that enhances the overall richness and umami of the gravy. It’s not an overpowering flavor but rather a subtle complexity that leaves everyone wondering what that “special something” is that makes the dish so addictive. If A1 isn’t your preference, a splash of Worcestershire sauce makes a good substitute, offering a similar savory kick. While you could omit it, you’d be missing out on a key element of its distinct deliciousness!
- Frozen Meatballs: The star of this quick-and-easy show! As discussed in the FAQ section above, the type of frozen meatball matters significantly for the flavor profile. While “Swedish-style” is ideal if you can find them, plain “homestyle” beef meatballs work beautifully and are more widely available. Just be sure to steer clear of Italian-seasoned varieties, as their strong herb and garlic flavors will clash with the creamy, savory, and slightly tangy profile of this Swedish gravy. A standard 2-pound bag is perfect for a larger family or for having delicious leftovers. If you prefer a higher sauce-to-meatball ratio or are feeding fewer people, a 1-pound bag will suffice for about four hearty servings, ensuring plenty of rich, creamy sauce for everyone.
- Sour Cream: This ingredient is added at the end of the cooking process to create the signature creamy texture and a delightful, subtle tang that defines classic Swedish meatballs. It transforms the gravy into a velvety, luscious coating for the meatballs, giving it that characteristic rich body. For those who aren’t fans of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute, offering similar creaminess and tang without altering the consistency too much. A touch of heavy cream can also be used for richness, though it will lack the tangy note that sour cream provides. If you prefer a less creamy sauce, you can simply reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
- Egg Noodles (Optional, for Serving): While technically optional, egg noodles are the classic, traditional pairing for Swedish meatballs. Their broad, flat shape and tender texture are perfect for soaking up every last bit of the savory, creamy sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste. Feel free to serve your meatballs however you like – over fluffy mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort, with plain white rice, or even as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks for a party.
How to Make Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs: Step-by-Step
This recipe truly embodies “set it and forget it” cooking. Follow these simple steps for a delicious, hearty meal that requires minimal effort:
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, combine the 10.75 ounce can of low sodium cream of mushroom soup with the 14 ounce can of low sodium beef broth, the 1 packet of dry onion soup mix, and the 2 Tablespoons of A1 steak sauce. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the rich and flavorful foundation for your meatballs.
- Add Meatballs and Cook: Gently add the 2 pound bag of frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. Stir carefully to ensure all the meatballs are coated evenly in the sauce. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-5 hours. The cooking time will depend on your specific slow cooker and how deeply frozen your meatballs are. The goal is for the meatballs to be heated through, tender, and the sauce to be wonderfully rich and bubbly.
- Prepare Sides (Optional): If you plan to serve your Swedish Meatballs with egg noodles, start preparing them about 15-20 minutes before the meatballs are estimated to be done. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add the 12 ounce package of egg noodles, and cook according to the package directions until they are al dente. Drain them thoroughly in a colander.
- Finish with Creaminess: Once the meatballs are cooked through and piping hot, remove the lid from the slow cooker and stir in the 1 cup of sour cream. This is the magic step that adds the signature creamy, tangy finish to the sauce, transforming it into that luscious, velvety gravy synonymous with Swedish meatballs. Stir until the sour cream is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy: You have a couple of delicious serving options: either gently mix the cooked egg noodles directly with the meatballs and sauce in the slow cooker for a unified, comforting dish, or spoon the creamy meatballs and gravy generously over individual servings of noodles, fluffy mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill if desired for an extra touch of color and freshness.
Whether you choose to mix the noodles directly or serve the creamy meatballs on top, you’re in for a truly delightful and satisfying meal!
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Every Time
Achieving consistently delicious results with this Crock Pot Swedish Meatball recipe is simple when you keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Don’t Overfill: Ensure your slow cooker isn’t packed too full, especially if you decide to double the recipe. Leave enough space for the sauce to bubble and circulate, allowing the meatballs to cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavors. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a thinner sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: While the recipe provides a fantastic base, always taste the sauce before adding the sour cream and make adjustments if needed. A little extra black pepper, a pinch of garlic powder, or even a tiny dash of allspice (traditional in some Swedish recipes) can enhance the flavors to your preference. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Serving Temperature: If you’re preparing these for a party or potluck and need to keep them warm for an extended period, utilize the ‘warm’ setting on your slow cooker. Stir the meatballs and sauce occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom or forming a skin on top.
- Sauce Thickness: This recipe typically yields a perfectly thick and creamy sauce thanks to the cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. However, if you prefer an even thicker gravy, you can remove about a cup of the hot sauce (before adding sour cream), whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch (mixed with an equal amount of cold water to form a slurry), and then return it to the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir until thickened.
- Mind the Meatball Type: As reiterated throughout this article, stick to plain or homestyle frozen meatballs for the best flavor compatibility with the creamy sauce. Italian-seasoned meatballs, while delicious in other contexts, will significantly alter the desired Swedish flavor profile.
Customize Your Swedish Meatball Experience
While this recipe is fantastic as is, feel free to get creative and customize these delicious slow cooker Swedish meatballs to suit your taste and dietary needs:
- Add Fresh Mushrooms: If you do love mushrooms, feel free to sauté fresh sliced mushrooms until golden brown and add them to the slow cooker along with the meatballs. This will add an extra layer of earthy flavor and texture that many mushroom lovers enjoy.
- Spice It Up (Gently): For a hint of warmth that aligns with traditional Swedish flavors, a pinch of white pepper or a tiny dash of allspice can be added to the sauce mixture at the beginning of cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
- Vary the Protein: While beef is classic, you can easily experiment with frozen turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter option. Remember that leaner meats might not release as much fat into the sauce, which is often a good thing for those watching their fat intake. Just ensure they are cooked through.
- Boost with Vegetables: For added nutrition and color, stir in a handful of frozen peas or a bag of mixed frozen vegetables (like peas and carrots) during the last hour of cooking. They will cook perfectly in the hot sauce.
- Make it Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your frozen meatballs are certified gluten-free, choose a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, and verify that your beef broth and dry onion soup mix do not contain gluten-derived ingredients. Serve with gluten-free pasta or mashed potatoes instead of egg noodles.
Craving More Effortless Slow Cooker Recipes?
If you loved the ease and delightful flavor of these Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs, you’re in for a treat! Our extensive collection of slow cooker recipes is designed to make your life easier and your meals more delicious, proving that gourmet flavors don’t have to come with hours of work. Explore some of our other popular “set it and forget it” dishes that are perfect for any day of the week:
- Crock Pot Beef Tips & Gravy
- Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
- Crock Pot Party Meatballs
- Crock Pot French Onion Meatballs
- Crock Pot Meatball Stroganoff
- Crock Pot Meatloaf Meatballs
- Crock Pot Salisbury Steak
- Crock Pot Round Steak
- Crock Pot Lasagna
- Crock Pot Meatloaf
- Crock Pot Pork Loin
- Chicken Piccata Meatballs
- Butter Swim Biscuits
Originally published: May 2015
Updated & republished: April 2025
Easy Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
This incredibly easy Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs recipe uses frozen meatballs, sour cream, A1 steak sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and simple seasonings to create a creamy, flavorful dish that’s better than anything you’ll find at Ikea! Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yields: 6 servings
Author: Brandie Skibinski
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Ingredients
- 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup (low sodium)
- 14 ounce can beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 2 Tablespoons A1 steak sauce
- 2 pound bag frozen meatballs (see notes below for quantity options)
- 1 cup sour cream
For serving:
- 12 ounce package egg noodles (optional)
Instructions
In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, combine the 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup (low sodium) with the 14 ounce can beef broth (low sodium), 1 packet dry onion soup mix, and 2 Tablespoons A1 steak sauce. Whisk together until well combined.
Add the 2 pound bag frozen meatballs to the slow cooker and stir to coat. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-5 hours, or until meatballs are heated through and tender.
If serving with egg noodles: just before the meatballs are done, bring a pot of water to boil. Cook the 12 ounce package egg noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain well.
After the meatballs have finished cooking, stir in the 1 cup sour cream until fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over or mixed with the cooked egg noodles, or your preferred side.
Video Tutorial
Notes
- Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and detailed ingredient descriptions above for substitution ideas and answers to common queries.
- Egg noodles are a serving suggestion; feel free to pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or other preferred sides. You can mix them into the slow cooker with the meatballs and sauce or serve the meatballs on top.
- For a richer sauce-to-meatball ratio or for fewer servings (approximately 4 people), use a 1-pound (16 ounce) bag of frozen meatballs instead of two pounds. The exact number of meatballs per person can vary by brand and size.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When reheating from frozen, do so slowly on the stovetop to help prevent the creamy gravy from separating. If you choose to freeze, it’s generally best to add fresh noodles upon reheating, as previously cooked noodles can become mushy after freezing and thawing.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition Information (Estimate)
Calories: 622kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 42g | Sodium: 829mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer: “The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist. The nutritional information provided is an estimate. Calorie counts and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used and specific preparation methods. We recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator for precise figures if these values are critical to your dietary needs.
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