Welcome back to Clara's Kitchen! Today, we're diving into a timeless comfort food that’s made even easier with your trusty slow cooker: Swedish Meatballs. This recipe, a true highlight of Clara's Recipes, brings you succulent, tender meatballs bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce that’s perfect for any occasion. Forget complicated steps and endless stirring – the crock pot does all the hard work, leaving you with a hearty, satisfying meal that’s full of classic flavor.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing for a dinner party, or simply craving a delicious and comforting dish, these Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs are an absolute winner. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods. Plus, the minimal cleanup is an added bonus that every home cook appreciates!

Why You'll Adore This Clara's Recipe

This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about achieving that perfect balance of rich, savory flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s why Clara’s Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs will become a new favorite:

• Effortless Preparation: Once the meatballs are formed and the sauce is started, your slow cooker handles the rest, freeing up your time for other tasks.
• Incredible Flavor: The slow simmer allows the herbs, spices, and creamy sauce to infuse every meatball with deep, comforting taste.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. It's a crowd-pleaser that adapts to various dietary preferences with simple tweaks.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Easily scale up this recipe for leftovers that taste even better the next day, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

For more fuss-free dinner ideas from Clara's collection, be sure to check out our Easy Baked Chicken Breast Recipes for Juicy, Melt-In-Your-Mouth Results – Clara's Recipes.

Gather Your Ingredients for Success

Quality ingredients are the foundation of any great dish. Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Swedish Meatballs. We'll divide them into two sections: one for the perfectly seasoned meatballs and another for that irresistibly creamy sauce.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (lean suggested)
• ½ lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Panko)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk (any kind)
• ¼ cup onion, very finely chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium is preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream (see notes for sour cream use)
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Pinch of ground allspice and nutmeg (for authentic flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step: Making Clara's Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs

Follow these simple steps to create a truly memorable meal. Remember, the key to great slow cooking is patience!

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and finely chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
2. Step 2: Form the meat mixture into uniform balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Using a cookie scoop can help ensure consistent sizing for even cooking. Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined tray.
3. Step 3: (Optional, but recommended for extra flavor) In an oven-safe skillet, brown the meatballs lightly over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side. This helps develop a delicious crust and locks in moisture. Transfer the browned meatballs directly into your crock pot. If not browning, place raw meatballs directly into the crock pot.
4. Step 4: Prepare the cream sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or sour cream – if using sour cream, allow it to come to room temperature and whisk in gently to prevent curdling), Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of allspice, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated.
8. Step 8: Cover the crock pot and cook on the low setting for 4–5 hours, or on the high setting for 2–3 hours.
9. Step 9: About halfway through the cooking time, gently stir the sauce to ensure even consistency and prevent any sticking to the bottom.
10. Step 10: Before serving, use a digital meat thermometer to confirm that each meatball has reached a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
11. Step 11: Once cooked, you can switch the crock pot to the “warm” setting for up to 30 minutes until you’re ready to serve.
12. Step 12: Serve hot over your favorite accompaniment, such as egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.

Tips for Tender, Flavorful Meatballs Every Time

Achieving that perfect texture and rich flavor in your slow cooker Swedish meatballs is easier than you think. Here are Clara's top tips to ensure delicious results:

• Don't Overmix: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough meatballs.
• Chill for Structure: If time allows, refrigerate your formed meatballs for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them firm up and maintain their shape during the slow cooking process.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, you can whisk a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) into the hot sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If it's too thick, add a splash more beef broth or cream.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste the sauce before and after cooking, adjusting salt, pepper, and spices as needed. A dash more Worcestershire or a pinch of extra nutmeg can make a difference!
• Fresh Herbs are Key: Stir in fresh chopped parsley or dill just before serving for a vibrant finish and an extra layer of flavor.

Delicious Variations to Keep Things Exciting

While the classic recipe is perfect, sometimes it's fun to experiment! Here are a few ways to add a twist to Clara's Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs:

• Mushroom Lovers: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and add them to the sauce along with the cream and Worcestershire for an earthy depth.
• Dijon Tang: Whisk 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the sauce for a subtle, tangy kick that complements the richness beautifully.
• Spicy Swedish: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the gravy for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs. A touch of dried thyme or sage in the meatball mixture can offer a lovely aromatic variation.
• Alternative Meats: While the beef and chicken blend is classic, you can try ground turkey or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a different take.

For another comforting and easy meal that can be adapted for any taste, try our Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.

Tasty Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

These Swedish meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some of our favorites:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate classic pairing, perfect for soaking up every drop of that rich sauce.
• Wide Egg Noodles: Another traditional choice, providing a comforting base for the meatballs and gravy.
• Steamed Rice: White or brown rice offers a neutral canvas that lets the flavors of the meatballs shine.
• Roasted Green Vegetables: A simple side of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans provides a fresh contrast.
• Lingonberry Jam: For an authentic Swedish touch, serve a dollop of lingonberry jam on the side. Its tartness cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Crusty Bread: Don't forget some good quality crusty bread to sop up any leftover sauce!

Nutrition & Meal-Prep Tips

Clara's Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs are not only delicious but can also be part of a balanced meal plan. While exact nutrition varies by portion and ingredients, a typical serving (without sides) is approximately 350-400 calories, 22g protein, and 18g fat. These values are estimates and can be adjusted with leaner meats or reduced-fat dairy.

Meal-Prep Made Easy:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and even the sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately and covered in the refrigerator.
• Freezing Instructions: Once cooked and completely cooled, transfer the meatballs and sauce to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat thawed meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a tablespoon or two of beef broth or cream to loosen it up.
• Portion Control: Freeze individual servings to make future meal times even easier and to manage portion sizes effectively.

FAQs

Clara's Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs

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• Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: Classic

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Description

Tender homemade meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, made effortlessly in your slow cooker. A comforting and flavorful family favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb ground beef
½ lb ground chicken
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
¼ cup milk
¼ cup onion, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream or sour cream
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of ground allspice
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, and finely chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Step 2: Form the meat mixture into uniform balls, about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter. Using a cookie scoop can help ensure consistent sizing for even cooking. Place the formed meatballs on a parchment-lined tray.
Step 3: (Optional, but recommended for extra flavor) In an oven-safe skillet, brown the meatballs lightly over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side. This helps develop a delicious crust and locks in moisture. Transfer the browned meatballs directly into your crock pot. If not browning, place raw meatballs directly into the crock pot.
Step 4: Prepare the cream sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 5: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or sour cream – if using sour cream, allow it to come to room temperature and whisk in gently to prevent curdling), Worcestershire sauce, allspice, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Pour the creamy sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 8: Cover the crock pot and cook on the low setting for 4–5 hours, or on the high setting for 2–3 hours.
Step 9: About halfway through the cooking time, gently stir the sauce to ensure even consistency and prevent any sticking to the bottom.
Step 10: Before serving, use a digital meat thermometer to confirm that each meatball has reached a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Step 11: Once cooked, you can switch the crock pot to the “warm” setting for up to 30 minutes until you’re ready to serve.
Step 12: Serve hot over your favorite accompaniment, such as egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or dill for a burst of freshness.

Notes

For best results, allow sour cream to come to room temperature before adding to the sauce to prevent curdling. Browning the meatballs beforehand adds an extra layer of flavor and helps them hold their shape.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: approx. 4 meatballs with sauce
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

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