Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a delicious, comforting meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This easy crock pot Swedish meatball recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort – this recipe is your shortcut to homemade deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Gently mix until just combined; avoid overmixing. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs (Optional but Recommended)
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are lightly browned on all sides. This step adds extra flavor and texture, but you can skip it if you're short on time.
Step 3: Crock Pot Magic
Place the browned meatballs (or un-browned if skipping that step) in your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
Step 4: The Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), and brown sugar. Pour the sauce over the meatballs and onions in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Cook and Simmer
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a little kick.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and cook in the slow cooker on the day you want to serve.
- Frozen meatballs: You can even use frozen meatballs, just add a little extra cooking time.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. It's always best to use a nutrition calculator for precise figures based on your recipe variations.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This easy crock pot Swedish meatball recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy meals that are also quick dinner ideas perfect for busy lifestyles. Enjoy the ease of homemade cooking without sacrificing flavor! This recipe is easily adaptable to your taste preferences making it one of the best recipes for a satisfying and comforting meal.