Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This slow cooker Swedish meatball recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe lets your slow cooker do the work, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth meatballs swimming in a rich and creamy gravy. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a fantastic example of homemade cooking, and one of the best recipes for a quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes (for serving)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and allspice. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. This step isn't strictly necessary, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Slow Cooker Magic: Simmering to Perfection
- Transfer the browned meatballs to your slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, beef broth, sour cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
- 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.
Serving and Enjoying Your Delicious Creation
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve the Swedish meatballs over cooked egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.
Tips for Meatball Perfection:
- Don't overmix the meat: Overmixing develops the gluten in the meat, resulting in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Brown the meatballs (optional): Browning the meatballs before adding them to the slow cooker adds a richer flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a unique twist.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- Spicy Swedish Meatballs: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture or the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Tomato Swedish Meatballs: Substitute cream of tomato soup for cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- Mushroom Lovers Delight: Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce during the last hour of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: 25-30g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This easy Swedish meatball recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals that don't require hours of preparation. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and showcases the ease and convenience of slow cooker cooking. Enjoy!