Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, flavorful meatballs with a creamy, savory sauce that melts in your mouth. This easy slow-cooker version is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Made with lean ground chicken or turkey and a rich, dairy-free gravy, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. If you’re looking for a wholesome, family-friendly meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, these Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are a must-try. Your home will be filled with irresistible aromas, and everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Swedish Meatballs Recipe
These meatballs are quick to prepare and filled with deep, aromatic spices like allspice, smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder. Cooking them in the crockpot ensures they stay tender and juicy while absorbing the creamy, savory sauce. Choosing ground chicken or turkey offers a lighter option compared to traditional beef, without compromising on flavor. This dish is ideal for meal prep, family dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based like cashew milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground meat with breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and all seasonings. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
- Form the meat mixture into small, evenly-sized balls, using about one tablespoon of the mixture for each.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches until they’re golden on the outside. Set them aside.
- In the crockpot, whisk the sauce ingredients until smooth and fully combined.
- Gently add the browned meatballs into the crockpot and stir lightly to coat them in the sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours.
- Just before serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly-sized meatballs.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing; cook in batches for even browning.
- Letting the meat mixture rest helps it bind better, reducing the chance of meatballs falling apart.
- Stir the sauce ingredients well to avoid clumps.
Substitutions And Variations
- Meat: Swap ground chicken or turkey with lean beef or pork for a richer taste.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of cashew milk.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs and confirm your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Spices: Add a dash of nutmeg to deepen the flavor profile.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 31g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 695mg
- Potassium: 1031mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 325IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 107mg
- Iron: 2mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal. They also pair beautifully with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad. For a low-carb option, try serving over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time? Yes! You can form and sear the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Can I skip searing the meatballs? While searing adds flavor and helps them hold shape, you can skip this step to save time. Just note that the texture might be softer.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? You can simmer the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop in a covered pot over low heat for about an hour.
Are these meatballs kid-friendly? Absolutely. They have a mild flavor with a hint of sweetness from the allspice, making them appealing to kids.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, just ensure your crockpot can accommodate the volume. You may need to increase cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
Thank you for giving this Crockpot Swedish Meatballs recipe a try! I hope it brings comfort and joy to your dining table, just as it does to mine. These meatballs are so easy to make and bursting with creamy, savory goodness. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite. Here’s to happy cooking and delicious moments—thank you for being part of our food-loving community!
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Crockpot Swedish Meatballs
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are a creamy, comforting family meal made with ground turkey or chicken and a flavorful slow-cooked sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 large egg
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
For the Sauce:
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Combine meatball ingredients in a bowl and let rest for 10 minutes.
Form into tablespoon-sized meatballs.
Brown meatballs in olive oil over medium heat.
In the slow cooker, whisk sauce ingredients until smooth.
Add meatballs and coat with sauce.
Cook on LOW for 3 hours.
Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
Let the meat rest before forming balls to improve texture. Use a cookie scoop for even sizes. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 317
- Sugar: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 31g