Make these easy Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with just 3 things. Perfect when you're busy but want good dinner. Tastes like home cooking without all the work.
Why Make These
Put everything in crockpot, turn it on, come home to dinner ready. Meatballs get tender in rich gravy. Good with noodles, potatoes, or rice. Easy enough for anyone to make - even if you're just learning to cook.
What You Need
- Gravy: 1 jar Heinz beef kind
- Sour Cream: 1 cup
- Meatballs: 1 bag frozen ones
- Crockpot: Any size works
How to Make It
- Mix sauce:
- Pour gravy in pot. Add sour cream. Stir till smooth.
- Put in meatballs:
- Drop frozen meatballs in sauce. Stir so all get coated.
- Let cook:
- Put lid on. Cook low 5 hours. Stir few times if you can.
- Check they're done:
- Meatballs should be hot through. Sauce gets thick and creamy.
- Serve up:
- Put over noodles, potatoes, or rice while hot.
About Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs got creamy brown gravy, not red sauce like Italian ones. That's what makes them special. Sauce gets rich and thick in crockpot. Some folks use onion soup mix too, but this way's simpler.
Different From Italian
Italian meatballs go in red sauce with lots of herbs. These swim in brown gravy with sour cream. Makes them smooth and creamy. Both good, just different. These taste more like comfort food.
What to Serve With It
Wide egg noodles work best - catch all the sauce. Mashed potatoes good too - gravy soaks right in. Rice works if that's what you got. Add green veggie on side if you want.
Using Fresh Meatballs
Got fresh meatballs? Brown them in pan first if you want. Makes them taste better. Takes extra time but worth it. Don't need to cook through - just brown outside. They'll finish in crockpot.
Saving Leftovers
Keeps good 3 days in fridge. Put in box with tight lid. Heat up slow in microwave or pan. Sauce might get thick - add splash milk. Tastes just as good next day.
Quick Tips
Don't lift lid much while cooking - lets heat out. Want sauce thicker? Take lid off last hour. Too thick? Add bit milk or cream. Stir gentle so meatballs don't break.
Make It Your Way
Like it tangy? Add more sour cream. Want it richer? Use cream of mushroom soup too. Some folks put in sliced mushrooms. Makes good sandwich filling next day on rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use fresh meatballs?
Sure can! They cook faster than frozen ones - check after 3 hours instead of 4. Make your own or grab some from the store's meat counter. Just make sure they're cooked through first for food safety. Some folks like browning them quick before adding to pot - adds nice flavor. Want them really tender? Make them small, about golf ball size. Whatever kind you use, don't stir too much or they'll break up.
- What about different gravy?
Lots of options! Turkey gravy makes it lighter, chicken gravy works great too. Some folks mix two kinds. Even mushroom gravy's good - makes it richer. Want it fancy? Add a pack of onion soup mix to any gravy. Just check the salt - some gravies are saltier than others. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. Too thin? Take lid off last hour to thicken up.
- What goes good with it?
Mashed potatoes are classic - sauce tastes great on them. Egg noodles work perfect too. Need something green? Steamed broccoli or green beans on the side. Some folks serve over rice. Want it fancy? Put out lingonberry jam like they do in Sweden. Even just buttered bread works for soaking up sauce. Simple salad on the side makes it a full meal. Hot tip: make extra mashed potatoes - great with leftover sauce!
- Can I make it without meat?
You bet! Get those frozen veggie meatballs - lots of brands now. Beyond Meat and Gardein make good ones. Use mushroom gravy to keep it vegetarian. Some folks use big mushroom caps instead of meatballs. Just don't cook them as long as meat ones or they get mushy. Check that your gravy's vegetarian too - some have meat stock. Want more protein? Add some white beans - sounds weird but works!
- Need it dairy-free?
Easy fixes! Use dairy-free sour cream - lots of choices now. Coconut cream works if you don't mind slight coconut taste. Some folks use cashew cream - blend soaked cashews till smooth. Check gravy ingredients - some have hidden dairy. Want it extra creamy? Blend up some cooked potatoes into the sauce. The meatballs themselves usually don't have dairy, but always check labels.
Some More Ideas
Love easy meals? Try slow cooker chili dip - just cream cheese, chili and cheddar. Or make BBQ chicken with just chicken, sauce and brown sugar. All super simple but taste great!