Little Walnut Cottage

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These cozy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food made simple. Perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners, this version uses homemade sourdough breadcrumbs and nutrient-rich bone broth for a wholesome, flavor-packed twist on the classic. The meatballs are lightly browned under the broiler, then slow-cooked in a creamy, savory sauce until tender and perfectly seasoned. Serve them over noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal the whole family will love.

If you love warm, nourishing meals that come together in minutes, you’re in for a treat.

I first heard of Swedish meatballs in an episode of The Big Bang Theory when Sheldon mentioned going to Ikea for Swedish meatball night.

I’ve never been to Ikea. We don’t have Ikea where we live. I don’t know where the closest one is.

Meatballs, however, I was familiar with. Maybe not Swedish, but a little investigative Pinteresting made me a Swedish meatball master overnight. I’ve made them a few different ways, and they always turn out beautifully, but browning the meatballs in my Dutch oven was challenging with babies at my feet, not to mention the general circus that erupts at 4:30 when I’m trying to cook dinner.

Figuring out that I could broil the meatballs and throw them in the crockpot for a hands-off dinner that everyone would swoon over was a game-changer.

Some meals don’t taste as good in the slowcooker (I’m looking at you, bland chicken breasts), but crockpot Swedish Meatballs are not one of those things. After making them both ways, I can confirm the crockpot Swedish meatballs are just as good, but without the hassle of standing over a hot stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love cozy comfort food that basically cooks itself, this Crockpot Swedish Meatballs recipe will be your new family favorite! My favorite things about this recipe are:

• Easy, hands-off cooking: After a quick broil and sauce prep, your slow cooker does the rest. It’s every mom’s dream!
• Extra nourishing: Made with homemade sourdough breadcrumbs and bone broth for a nutrient-dense twist on a classic.
• Tender and flavorful: The mix of ground beef and pork creates juicy, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs that no one (not even toddlers!) can argue about.
• Crowd-pleasing comfort: Creamy, rich, and perfectly seasoned with warm spices like nutmeg and allspice.
• Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prep, holidays, or cozy Sunday dinners.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need to make these comforting crockpot Swedish meatballs:

• Ground beef & ground pork: A blend of both gives the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
• Sourdough breadcrumbs: Use homemade sourdough breadcrumbs for a light texture and a subtle tang that adds depth. You can also use store-bought panko breadcrumbs or quick-cook oatmeal for a gluten-free option.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatballs together.
• Onion powder & garlic powder: For flavor without extra chopping and dishes.
• Nutmeg & allspice: Traditional Swedish spices that make these meatballs uniquely delicious.
• Salt & pepper: Don’t skimp — these bring everything together.
• Butter & flour: To form the base of a rich, creamy roux. You can also substitute olive oil for a dairy-free option.
• Bone broth: Adds a nutrient boost and incredible flavor to the sauce. Check out our recipe for How to Make Bone Broth, or use store-bought. If you don’t have bone broth, you can use your favorite beef broth.
• Dijon mustard & Worcestershire sauce: A little tang and umami flavor for balance.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end for the perfect creamy finish.
• Parsley & noodles: For garnish and serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, sourdough breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until everything is evenly distributed — avoid overmixing to keep them tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Use a cookie scoop or your hands to shape the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or baking dish.

Step 3: Broil to Brown

Set your oven to broil on high and broil the meatballs for about 6 minutes, turning halfway through, until lightly browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked yet — just seared for flavor.

Step 4: Transfer to Crockpot

Place the browned meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to make a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly add the bone broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the crockpot.

• Cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2½–3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

When the meatballs are cooked, stir in the sour cream until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over cooked noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the meat: This keeps your meatballs tender instead of dense.
• Broil first for flavor: It adds depth and helps the meatballs hold together in the sauce.
• Add sour cream last: Stir it in after cooking to prevent curdling.
• Consistent sizing: Use a cookie scoop for evenly cooked meatballs.
• Freeze extras: These meatballs freeze beautifully for quick weeknight meals later.

Variations to Try

Add herbs: Mix in chopped parsley or dill for fresh flavor.

All beef or all pork: Works great if that’s what you have on hand.

Gluten-free option: Substitute quick cook oats, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or almond flour.

Lighter version: Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt.

Different proteins: Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist.

Serving Suggestions

These crockpot Swedish meatballs are delicious served over:

Cauliflower mash or zoodles for a lighter meal.

A side of roasted vegetables or a green salad to round out the meal, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.

Egg noodles or shell pasta for a classic pairing.

Mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort food vibes.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs with or without sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker on low. If the sauce thickens, stir in a splash of broth or cream.

FAQs Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape and broil the meatballs a day in advance, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. You can also freeze the uncooked or broiled meatballs for up to 3 months — just thaw them in the fridge overnight before adding them to the crockpot.

Can I skip the broiling step?

Technically, yes — but broiling adds a lot of flavor and helps the meatballs hold their shape while slow cooking. It gives them that delicious caramelized crust that makes the final dish extra rich and savory.

Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs instead of sourdough?

Absolutely. Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but sourdough breadcrumbs give a subtle tang and a nutrient boost. If you bake sourdough regularly, this is a great way to use up leftover ends or stale slices. Use whatever is available to you!

Can I make Swedish Meatballs dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap olive oil or vegan butter for the butter in the sauce, and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative at the end. The sauce will still turn out creamy and flavorful.

What should I serve with Crockpot Swedish meatballs?

These crockpot Swedish meatballs pair beautifully with egg or shell noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Add a side of roasted green beans, broccoli, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs (the Easiest Recipe!)

Tender, flavorful Swedish meatballs slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce. Made with sourdough breadcrumbs and bone broth for added depth and nutrition — a comforting, make-ahead dinner everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Course Main Course

Servings 6

Equipment

• 1 electric slowcooker

Ingredients

  

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (see note 1)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup melted butter (olive oil also works well)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 cups bone broth (see note 2)
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp worshtershire sauce
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup sour cream

For serving:

• 12 ounces cooked pasta (like shells, rotini, or penne)
• fresh or dried parsley

Instructions

 

• Mix the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, onion powder, garlic powder, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing so the meatballs stay tender.
• Shape the Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into 1 to 1½-inch meatballs. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Broil to Brown: Set your oven to broil on high. Broil the meatballs for about 6 minutes, turning halfway through, until lightly browned on all sides. (They don’t need to be fully cooked—just seared for flavor.)
• Transfer to Crockpot: Place the browned meatballs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
• Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the bone broth until smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
• Cook: Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs in the crockpot. Cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 2½–3 hours, until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
• Finish the Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, stir in the sour cream until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve over cooked egg noodles or shell pasta.

Notes

1. I use our sourdough breadcrumbs for this recipe. You can also use Panko breadcrumbs or quick-cook oatmeal for a gluten-free option.
2. I use our homemade bone broth for a nutrient-dense sauce, but you can also use your favorite beef broth.

Keyword crockpot swedish meatballs

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs will be your New Go-To Cozy Meal

My goal here at Little Walnut Cottage is to help y’all make life healthier, simpler, and cozier. Crocpot Swedish meatballs check all of those boxes in a way that everyone can get behind. Prep them in the morning, throw them in the crockpot, and don’t give them a second thought until dinner time (unless you, like me, like to think about what you’re going to have for dinner all day long). Happy cooking, friends!

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How to Make Bone Broth (3 Simple Ways!)

Sourdough Breadcrumbs

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