crockpot swedish meatball recipe
- The Best crockpot swedish meatball recipe
- Easy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Sauce
- 🥘Ingredients
- 👨🍳Directions
- 🔧Equipment
- 📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- 📝Notes
- Watch Video Of How Easy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Sauce Works
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Sauce
The Best crockpot swedish meatball recipe
What makes this recipe so great is how well it works in the crockpot, letting the flavors meld slowly over time without needing constant attention. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something delicious without the stress of a long cooking process. Plus, the meatballs are packed with lean protein and fiber, making them a healthier option than you might think—just don’t go overboard on the gravy, or you’ll ruin the balance. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare, so it’s always a hit at family gatherings, potlucks, or even just a quiet dinner at home.
Easy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Sauce
A comforting, hands-off meal featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp allspice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 400°F if using an oven-baked method, but for crockpot, skip this step. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix until evenly coated. -
2
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them in the crockpot. Pour beef broth into the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring the meatballs are submerged. -
3
In a small bowl, whisk together crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, tomato paste, rosemary, oregano, allspice, salt, and pepper. Pour this sauce over the meatballs. -
4
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 2 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally if desired.
🔧Equipment
- Crockpot
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Sauce Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Tomato Sauce
How do I store leftover Swedish meatballs?
Store cooked Swedish meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a tray before transferring to a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the crockpot on low for 1–2 hours, stirring halfway through, until warmed through.
Can I substitute ground turkey for beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can use ground turkey, but the flavor will be slightly different. For the best texture, opt for lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) to mimic the richness of traditional Swedish meatballs. If using turkey, add a pinch of beef bouillon or a splash of beef stock to deepen the flavor.
What’s the best way to reheat Swedish meatballs without drying them out?
To avoid drying out, reheat leftover meatballs gently in the crockpot on low for 1–1½ hours, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covering with a damp towel to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving directly, as it can make them gummy.
How can I make sure the meatballs stay tender?
For extra tenderness, chill the meatballs in the fridge for 30 minutes after forming before adding them to the crockpot. This helps them hold their shape. If they start to break apart, gently press them back together before cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pot—space them out slightly to ensure even cooking.
What’s the ideal ratio of broth to meatballs for the crockpot?
Use about 1½ cups of broth or water per 1½ pounds of meatballs. If the dish is too watery, reduce the liquid by ¼ cup. For a richer sauce, add a splash of beef stock or a small amount of tomato paste before adding the meatballs.
