Few dishes say “comfort food” more than a plate of Swedish Meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and spooned over buttery noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes. But instead of babysitting a skillet all day, we’re letting the crock pot do all the heavy lifting. With just a few pantry staples and a bag of frozen meatballs, this Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs recipe brings all the classic flavors with almost no effort.
It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for everything from busy weeknights to Sunday dinners—and it only gets better with time.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is a go-to in my kitchen because:
- It’s truly no-fuss—dump, stir, and walk away
- Frozen meatballs make it super convenient
- Rich, creamy sauce made right in the pot
- A total crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters love
Serve it over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice—and just wait for the compliments.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (26 oz) frozen homestyle meatballs
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 packet brown gravy mix
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, optional for garnish
- Egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving
Ingredient Notes & Swaps
- Meatballs: Homestyle (not Italian-style) works best. You can also use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter twist.
- Broth Base: Low sodium beef broth gives you more control over seasoning.
- Sour Cream + Heavy Cream: This combo creates a perfectly tangy and smooth sauce. Greek yogurt can be subbed in a pinch.
- Want from-scratch meatballs? Use homemade, but brown them before adding to the crock pot.
Instructions
- Make the Sauce Base
In a bowl, whisk together beef broth, brown gravy mix, and onion soup mix until smooth and combined. - Add to Crock Pot
Place frozen meatballs in the crock pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the top. - Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until meatballs are hot and tender. - Stir in Creaminess
About 20–30 minutes before serving, stir in the sour cream and heavy cream. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. - Serve & Enjoy
Spoon meatballs and sauce over warm egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- No curdling! Be sure to add the sour cream and heavy cream only at the end.
- Want a thicker sauce? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) before adding the cream.
- Serve family-style in a big bowl—it’s just that kind of cozy meal.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This recipe is great with:
- Egg noodles, buttered and lightly salted
- Mashed potatoes, for a creamy-on-creamy comfort moment
- Roasted green beans, carrots, or peas for a pop of color
- Want a full comfort food spread? Pair it with This Dorito Casserole or These Easy Turkey Wings for a potluck-worthy table
- For dessert, try This Big Family Banana Pudding or These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
- Feeling brunchy? Serve alongside This One-Pan Breakfast Bake for a cozy weekend feast
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze meatballs and sauce (without noodles) for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Gently on the stove or in the microwave—add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
- This One-Pan Breakfast Bake Will Make You Skip
Final Thoughts
These Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs are everything we want in a dinner: simple, comforting, creamy, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re making a weeknight meal or prepping for guests, this recipe guarantees clean plates and full hearts.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Tag @ChefManiac to share your cozy slow-cooker masterpiece.
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