There’s just something comforting about a big bowl of tender meatballs smothered in creamy gravy. These slow cooker Swedish meatballs are everything you love about the classic dish, made even easier thanks to your crockpot. With just a few pantry staples and a little prep, you’ll have a hearty dinner that tastes like you spent all day cooking, even if it only took you 20 minutes to toss everything together.

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a winner. You can serve these meatballs over buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food meal. And if you’re looking for more slow cooker inspiration, be sure to check out Crock Pot pot roast, crockpot chicken and stuffing, or Crockpot sweet and sour meatballs, for more cozy favorites.

This recipe uses lean ground beef and a creamy homemade gravy that feels indulgent without being complicated. The meatballs are browned for extra flavor, then slow cooked until juicy and tender. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment—just simple, satisfying food made in one pot.

What You Will Love About This Recipe

No-fuss dinner: Just a quick brown on the stove, then let the slow cooker handle the rest.

Creamy homemade gravy: No canned soup needed—just butter, flour, broth, and sour cream.

Perfect for meal prep: These meatballs reheat beautifully and make amazing leftovers.

Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love these rich, savory flavors.

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice, optional (I did not use it.)

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup beef broth

1/4 cup sour cream

How to make Swedish meatballs

Step 1: Combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, eggs, allspice (if using,) onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix to combine.

Step 2: Take a 1 Tablespoon scoop of your meat mixture and form it into a ball. Using a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop works great for this to ensure your meatballs are all the same size.

Step 3: Roll your meat mixture into a ball with your hands.

Step 4: Add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Once your pan is hot add your meatballs allowing them to brown on all sides. You do not need to cook your meatballs all the way through because they will cook in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Once browned add meatballs to your slow cooker.

Step 7: In your skillet add butter and let it melt. Whisk in flour and create a rue. Whisk for about 2 minutes.

Step 8: Add beef broth and continue to which until the sauce thickens.

Step 9: Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream until it is well blended.

Step 10: Pour over the meatballs in the slow cooker.

Step 11: Cook on low for 4 hours or 2 hours on high.

Step 12: Gently stir the meatballs in the gravy. Sprinkle with parsley if desired and serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip browning the meatballs—it adds a ton of flavor to the final dish.
If you’re short on time, you can brown the meatballs in batches the night before and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
For a more traditional flavor, feel free to include the allspice in the meatball mixture.
Make sure to stir the sour cream into the gravy after it comes off the heat to avoid curdling.
These meatballs are delicious served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.

FAQs

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs in a pinch. Just skip the browning step and place them directly in the slow cooker. The texture and flavor might differ slightly, but it still works.

Absolutely. Once cooked, let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you want a little more tang or a lighter option.

No, it’s optional. It adds a traditional Swedish flavor, but the meatballs still taste delicious without it.

If you love slow cooker recipes, try these!

Crock Pot Chicken Teriyaki

Crock Pot Roast

Slow Cooker Beef Tips

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs

Sweedish Meatballs in the slow cooker is comfort food at its finest as it combines ground beef with breadcrumbs and spices cooked in the most delicious creamy gravy sauce. These meatballs are moist and flavorful served over egg noodles.

Ingredients

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice, optional (I did not use it.)
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions

Combine ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs, eggs, allspice (if using,) onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix to combine.
Take a 1 Tablespoon scoop of your meat mixture and form it into a ball. Using a 1 Tablespoon cookie scoop works great for this to ensure your meatballs are all the same size.
Roll your meat mixture into a ball with your hands.
Add 1 Tablespoon of olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat.
Once your pan is hot add your meatballs allowing them to brown on all sides. You do not need to cook your meatballs all the way through because they will cook in the slow cooker.
Once browned add meatballs to your slow cooker.
In your skillet add butter and let it melt. Whisk in flour and create a rue. Whisk for about 2 minutes.
Add beef broth and continue to which until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream until it is well blended.
Pour over meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4 hours or 2 hours on high.
Gently stir the meatballs in the gravy. Sprinkle with parsley if desired and serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 540Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 217mgSodium: 499mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 48g

Melissa

I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!

The Coziest Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs for Busy Nights