↑

The Magical Slow Cooker

Slow Cooker Recipes

  • Recipe Box
  • Buy my Digital Cookbook
  • About me
  • Contact Me
  • Free Slow Cooker Newsletter
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Beef » Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs (From Frozen)

Easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs (From Frozen)

by Sarah Olson on January 19, 2022 | Updated March 7, 2022 14 Comments

1414 shares
  • 540
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
long image of swedish meatballs for pinterest
collage of swedish meatballs with text overlay for pinterest

Make easy Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs for dinner tonight! This is a classic recipe with plenty of thick and creamy gravy and cinch to throw together with the help of frozen cooked meatballs.

Easy Swedish meatballs are a main course dish, not usually served as an appetizer like grape jelly meatballs or barbecue meatballs.

meatballs in swedish sauce in slow cooker

If you want to try something new in your kitchen, this recipe will be perfect for you! It only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then just let the crockpot do all the work while you go about your day.

What are Swedish Meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are slightly creamy in a brown gravy sauce. The sauce also has a different seasoning than traditional meatballs, adding a rich flavor. They are sometimes made with onion soup mix, instead of gravy.

What is the difference between Italian meatballs and Swedish meatballs?

Spices are the difference. These meatballs are made with different spices and are topped with a creamy brown sauce rather than a red sauce. The seasonings for the Swedish Meatballs are a little more intense than a traditional meatball, and the cream sauce adds to them. The creamy sauce is what makes them Swedish.

Recipe Ingredients

swedish meatballs ingredients on a table
  • Meatballs – I am using frozen meatballs to save time, but you can make homemade meatballs. My favorite is Costco Italian meatballs, but any homestyle or Italian style will work great. These are usually made from ground beef.
  • Cornstarch – This helps to thicken the sauce.
  • The Gravy – Water, beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix and Worcestershire sauce. Sour cream is added just before serving (or heavy cream). Plain greek yogurt can be substituted for the sour cream if desired.
  • Seasonings – Use dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder and fresh parsley for garnishing
  • Egg noodles – Serve the meatballs over egg noodles.

Step by Step Directions

collage of how to add swedish meatball ingredients to slow cooker

Step One – Combine the cornstarch and the water until smooth, then add the beef broth and stir. Add the meatballs.

Step Two -Add the seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, cream of mushroom soup, and gravy mix. Wait to add the sour cream.

Step Three – Stir together well; it’s ok if the cream of mushroom soup is chunky, it will melt during the cooking time.

finished cooking swedish meatballs in slow cooker

Step Four – Place the lid on the slow cooker—cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Stir occasionally during the last hour of cooking.

Step Five- Once the meatballs are done, stir in the sour cream (or heavy cream) and serve the meatballs over egg noodles and garnish with parsley.

meatballs in slow cooker and meatballs on noodles on a plate.

What do I serve with this?

  • Wide egg noodles are the most poplular choice with crockpot Swedish meatballs, don’t mix them into the slow cooker, let each guest choose how much noodles and meatballs they want.
  • Mashed Potatoes are a great side dish for anything with gravy!
  • Rice is one of my favorite ways to serve this. It soaks up more gravy than any of the other options.

Recipes FAQs

How long will they last in the fridge?

They will last for a few days in the refrigerator, up to 4 days. Once the meatballs have cooled, you can place them in the fridge. Make sure you have them in an airtight container not to spoil sooner.

How long can you keep them in the freezer?

The frozen Swedish meatballs will last for about three months in the freezer. Ensure they are cooled and stored in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How to Reheat

The quickest way to reheat a small serving of these meatballs is in the microwave. You can also reheat it on the stovetop in a saucepan.

Can I use different noodles?

You can use different noodles, but it will change the flavor. Egg noodles have a taste and shape that is traditional with egg noodles. You can also skip the noodles and use rice or mashed potatoes with them.

Can you overcook meatballs in a slow cooker?

Frozen meatballs only get better with time, they stay very moist and soak up the flavors of the sauce while cooking. Though there is a point when the entire dish will overcook and burn, don’t let this cook too much longer than the suggested cooking time.

swedish meatballs on a a white plate

Want to make more magic in your crockpot? Stay up to date and subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

finished cooking swedish meatballs in slow cooker

Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe

5 from 5 votes
Meatballs in a savory brown gravy with a touch of sour cream. These meatballs are great over egg noodles or on rice or mashed potatoes.
Print Pin Rate Share by Text
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 370kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker – 5 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp. cold water
  • 32 oz. frozen cooked meatballs Italian or home style works fine.
  • 10.5 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
  • .87 oz. package of brown gravy mix
  • 2 Tbsp. worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/2 cup sour cream OR heavy cream (WAIT TO ADD) – Can use plain greek yogurt
  • fresh parsley for garnishing
  • large egg noodles for serving
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • In a small bowl add the cold water and corn starch, whisk with a fork until smooth. Add to the slow cooker along with the broth. Mix the broth with the cornstarch slurry.
  • Add meatballs to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Top with cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to mix all ingredients. It's ok if the cream of mushrooms doesn't dissolve, it will melt with the cooking time.
  • Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Stir occasionally towards the end of the cooking time.
  • When cooking time is complete, add the sour cream and stir. Serve the meatballs and gravy over large egg noodles or rice.
Prevent your screen from going dark

Recipe Notes:

How to store?
Meatballs will last in the fridge for about four days or in the freezer for three months.
How to reheat?
The quickest way to reheat a small serving of these meatballs is in the microwave. You can also reheat it on the stovetop in a saucepan.
Can I use a different noodle?
You can use different noodles, but it will change the flavor. Egg noodles have a taste and shape that is traditional with egg noodles. You can also skip the noodles and use rice or mashed potatoes with them.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 732mg | Potassium: 491mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 108IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Other meatball recipes to try next!

  • Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Teriyaki Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Apple Butter Meatballs

FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!
    1414 shares
    • 540

    Filed Under: Beef, Dinner

    Comments

    1. Amelia says

      February 25, 2022 at 5:41 pm

      I realize this is the Magical Slow Cooker (which I love) but I just got an Instant Pot and would like to try this recipe in it. Any changes, tips or should it be good to go?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        February 25, 2022 at 6:52 pm

        It should be fine! If you get a burn warning, add a splash more water.

        Reply
    2. Elaine says

      January 21, 2022 at 6:56 am

      Can I use Half/Half cream instead of sour cream or heavy cream?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 21, 2022 at 8:02 am

        Yes! That will work just fine

        Reply
    3. Marilyn Sanders says

      January 20, 2022 at 5:22 pm

      Can I use anything other that mushroom soup? Can’t stand mushrooms and am celiac , Campbell soups are not GF.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 20, 2022 at 10:16 pm

        Try pacific foods cream of chicken.

        Reply
    4. Mary says

      January 20, 2022 at 5:00 pm

      5 stars
      Looks yummy! Anxious to try all kinds of things! Thanks….stay happy and healthy! I’m a hemorrhagic stroke survivor and so thankful to be alive! Hugs

      Reply
    5. Lorraine says

      January 20, 2022 at 4:58 pm

      Can you replace cream of mushroom soup with something else?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 20, 2022 at 5:00 pm

        Cream of celery is a great option . It has no distinct flavor.

        Reply
    6. Joyce Maier says

      January 20, 2022 at 4:21 pm

      Can you use cream of chicken soup if you do not like mushroom.

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 20, 2022 at 5:00 pm

        Yes, or cream of celery.

        Reply
    7. Lois Kratohvil says

      January 20, 2022 at 4:20 pm

      Is there a substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        January 20, 2022 at 5:01 pm

        Yes, cream of celery.

        Reply
    8. Rev Mary Frazier says

      January 20, 2022 at 4:01 pm

      Sounds delicious

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Photo of Sarah Olson holding a slow cooker

    Hello! I'm Sarah

    Welcome to The Magical Slow Cooker. Let me help you find recipes for your slow cooker that you'll enjoy!
    • Visit us on Pinterest
    • Visit us on Instagram
    • Visit us on Youtube
    • Visit us on Facebook
    • Visit us on Twitter

    Slow Cooker Sides

    fried apples on a spoon coming from crockpot

    Cracker Barrel Fried Apples Recipe {Crockpot}

    cooked caramelized onions in the slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions

    slow cooker peas and carrots on a metal spoon

    Slow Cooker Peas and Carrots

    cooked cauliflower and broccoli casserole in slow cooker

    Slow Cooker Broccoli and Cauliflower Casserole

    jalapeno mac and cheese cooked in a crockpot

    Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

    close up of baked beans with a wooden spoon in it.

    Slow Cooker Land Your Man Baked Beans

    Magical Cooker logo

    FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

    Get Sarah's tricks to delicious and hands-free cooking!

      Most Popular Recipes

      close up of baked spaghetti in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti {Million Dollar Spaghetti}

      close up of chocolate cake with warm peanut butter icing

      Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake {Crockpot}

      close up of enchilada casserole

      Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole

      close up photo of chicken, potatoes and green beans in slow cooker

      Seasoned Chicken, Potatoes and Green beans

      cooked bang bang chicken in slow cooker

      Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken

      shredded creamy chicken with bacon and cheese on top.

      Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

      Featured on:

      Featured in BuzzFeed, The Kitchen, Popsugar, 12 Tomatoes, yummly, Today, and Country Living
      smaller magical slow cooker logo

      FREE EMAIL SERIESSLOW COOKER SECRETS

        Privacy Policy  Nutritional Disclosure

        The Magical Slow Cooker is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
        Copyright ©2022, The Magical Slow Cooker. All Rights Reserved.
        Design by Pixel Me Designs