Swedish Meat Balls For Slow Cooker
Savory Swedish meatballs with tender ground meats, seasoned with nutmeg and onion, cooked in a flavorful beef broth sauce—perfect for comforting family meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground chuck, ground veal, ground pork, bread crumbs, half and half, eggs, minced onion, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Mix until well incorporated.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Place meatballs in the slow cooker.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the condensed beef broth, cooking until thickened.
- Pour the gravy over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours until meatballs are cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef and pork. If you don’t have half and half, you can substitute with a mix of milk and cream. Don't skip the nutmeg; it adds a unique depth of flavor. If you're short on time, pre-made meatballs can be used, but the flavor won't be as rich as homemade. For more beef recipes, check out similar dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Swedish meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. They also pair beautifully with lingonberry sauce for a sweet contrast. For a full meal, consider adding steamed green beans or a crisp salad on the side to balance the richness. These meatballs can also be a great appetizer at parties.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the slow cooker or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Meat Balls For Slow Cooker contains roughly 1207 calories, with 47g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (94% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2226mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the meats with other ground options like turkey or chicken. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as leaner meats may require a bit more flavor. Mixing in some ground sausage can also add a nice kick.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Swedish meatballs gluten-free, substitute the fine dry bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or use ground oats. Ensure that the beef broth is also labeled gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
What should I do if the meatballs are too dry?
If you find the meatballs are too dry, consider adding a bit more half and half or a splash of beef broth to the mixture before cooking. Ensuring not to overcook them in the slow cooker will also help maintain their moisture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).