Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs

This creamy Swedish meatballs recipe has become my go-to comfort food solution on busy weeknights. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal that rivals anything you'd find at that famous Swedish furniture store.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic holiday season when I needed something that could cook while I was away shopping. My family devoured it so quickly that it's now in our regular dinner rotation, especially during the colder months.

Ingredients

• Cream of mushroom soup: Provides a rich base for the sauce without any fuss
• Beef broth: Adds depth and helps create that signature savory gravy
• Dry onion soup mix: Delivers concentrated flavor without chopping or sautéing
• A1 steak sauce: Brings a tangy complexity that elevates the entire dish
• Frozen meatballs: Save tremendous prep time while still delivering great flavor
• Egg noodles: Serve as the perfect vehicle for catching all that delicious sauce
• Sour cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess and authentic Swedish flavor finish

How To Make Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs

Create the sauce base:

Combine cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, onion soup mix, and A1 steak sauce in your slow cooker. Whisk thoroughly until well blended to ensure there are no lumps in your sauce. This flavor foundation infuses the meatballs during the long cooking process.

Add meatballs:

Gently add the frozen meatballs to the sauce mixture, stirring carefully to coat each meatball. No need to thaw them first. The frozen meatballs will slowly absorb the flavors as they cook, becoming tender and infused with the savory sauce.

Slow cook to perfection:

Cover your slow cooker and set to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 5 hours. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the sauce to develop richness. Your home will smell amazing as it cooks.

Prepare noodles:

About 15 minutes before serving, boil water and cook egg noodles according to package directions. Be sure to drain them well so they dont water down your creamy sauce. The timing here is important for serving everything hot.

Finish with sour cream:

Once the meatballs are fully cooked, stir in the sour cream until completely incorporated. This should be done just before serving for the best texture and flavor. The heat from the meatballs and sauce will warm the sour cream perfectly.

Serve and enjoy:

Combine the noodles and meatball mixture or serve the meatballs over a bed of noodles. Either way gets those delicious flavors in every bite.

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The A1 steak sauce is truly my secret ingredient in this recipe. It might seem unusual in Swedish meatballs, but it adds a wonderful tanginess that balances the rich cream base. My grandmother would probably raise an eyebrow at this modern twist, but even traditional family recipes deserve a little innovation sometimes.

Make-Ahead Options

This dish is perfect for meal planning. You can prepare everything the night before, store the crock in the refrigerator, then simply place it in the heating element in the morning. Just add 30 minutes to your cooking time if starting from cold. The flavors actually improve with time, making this an ideal dish to prepare ahead for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

Easy Substitutions

If you prefer to make this dish with homemade meatballs, brown them first and reduce the cooking time slightly. For a lighter version, Greek yogurt works beautifully in place of sour cream. You can also swap the egg noodles for mashed potatoes, rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower carb alternative. Vegetarians can enjoy this dish using plant based meatballs and vegetable broth with equally delicious results.

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Freezer Friendly

These Swedish meatballs freeze exceptionally well. Prepare the recipe through adding the sour cream, then cool completely before transferring to freezer safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Cook fresh noodles the day of serving for best texture. The convenience of having this meal ready to go in your freezer cannot be overstated for those especially hectic weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh meatballs can be used. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since fresh meatballs may cook faster than frozen ones.

→ Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this on the stovetop by simmering the sauce and meatballs together until heated through and fully cooked. Ensure to stir occasionally.

→ What can I substitute for sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer. Keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly.

→ How do I store the leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid overcooking.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or carrots. Add them to the slow cooker along with the meatballs to cook together.