Crock-Pot Swedish Meatballs: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort food, and this slow cooker recipe makes them incredibly easy to prepare. Forget spending hours in the kitchen – your crock-pot will do all the hard work! This recipe focuses on tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy gravy, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for larger or smaller batches.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Sauce:

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.

2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for consistent size for even cooking.

3. Slow Cooker Magic: Place the meatballs in your slow cooker.

4. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies, beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.

5. Combine & Cook: Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Stir gently to coat.

6. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

7. Serve & Enjoy: Serve the Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips & Variations for the Best Crock-Pot Swedish Meatballs:

• For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf to the sauce while cooking. Remove before serving.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche before serving for extra richness.
• Freezing for later: These meatballs freeze well! Assemble the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe bag before cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slow cooking.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

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Conclusion:

This Crock-Pot Swedish Meatballs recipe is a simple, delicious, and convenient way to enjoy a classic dish. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with tender, flavorful meatballs and a rich, creamy sauce. Enjoy!