Home » Slow Cooker Recipes » Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs (+Video)

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs (+Video)

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs is an easy recipe made with frozen meatballs, sour cream, steak sauce, cream of mushroom and seasonings.

A SIMPLE, FLAVORFUL SWEDISH MEATBALL RECIPE

After I shared the Crock Pot Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe a couple of weeks ago, I got a bunch of emails from folks asking for more recipes like that one. It really is the simple things, isn’t it? Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs is now one one of the most popular recipes on The Country Cook. Also, if this recipe tempts your tastebuds, you’re definitely gonna want to make my Crock Pot Sweet and Sour Meatballs.

Slow Cooker Meatballs and Gravy on top of egg noodles served with green beans and a roll

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What should I serve with Swedish Meatballs?

I usually serve these meatballs with egg noodles. If I am making a full-on dinner, I’d serve it with some steamed green beans and my Butter Swim Biscuits. And for dessert you gotta have my Easy Homemade Blueberry Cobbler.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Yes. Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker to fit the doubled ingredients. If I’m serving for a crowd, I will mix together cooked egg noodles with the meatballs and keep my crock pot on the ‘warm’ or ‘buffet’ setting. But when it’s just my family, everyone can serve themselves and grab as many meatballs and sauce as they like.

Is this an authentic Swedish Meatball recipe?

No. The internet foodie world is quick to remind me of that fact since the day I posted this recipe but I’m never changing it – so there. Yes, I do know “real Swedish Meatballs are made from scratch with nutmeg” – etc. Move along – this recipe clearly isn’t for you.

Can I just make my own meatballs?

Absolutely. If you have your own favorite Swedish meatball recipe then go for it. However, I would cook them almost completely before adding to the slow cooker or else the gravy in this will end up too oily from the grease that the meatballs release when cooking (unless you plan to use turkey instead of ground beef or a super lean ground beef.) You will probably just have to adjust cooking time to make sure your meatballs are cooked all the way through.

What if I can’t find frozen Swedish Meatballs?

Just use your favorite frozen meatball brand here. It doesn’t have to specifically be a Swedish-style meatball. They aren’t always easy to find but I’ve made this recipe with many different kinds of frozen meatballs and it all works great just don’t use Italian meatballs. Those flavors won’t work with these flavors. Try to look for a “Homestyle” meatball flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in the refrigerator (in an airtight lidded container) for up to 3 days. Just put it in a pot on the stove to reheat or in the microwave.
This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool then put in a freezer safe container. If you do freeze, try to reheat slowly so the gravy doesn’t separate. I don’t think I would try freezing with the noodles if you made those and mixed it all together. The noodles will continue to absorb any liquid and get mushy.

Swedish Meatballs with cooked egg noodles combined and shown in an oval slow cooker

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

  • cream of mushroom soup – my family don’t really like mushrooms but you do not get any kind of mushroom flavor or from this and we all love it. Honestly, no one knows that it was used except me. However, having said that, you can substitute with other cream soups but you really should try it this way. Or perhaps try making a Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup!
  • beef broth – I recommend a low or no sodium broth because most of the other ingredients have plenty of salt in them. If you have sodium issues, make sure to choose low or no sodium options where possible.
  • dry onion soup mix (or make your own Homemade Dry Onion Soup mix) – this is going to add a lot of flavor but won’t make it taste super “onion-y”. If you want a stronger onion flavor, try sautéing up some sliced onions then add them to the pot.
  • A1 steak sauce – this is my little secret ingredient. I think that is what really sets this recipe apart from others. It is not a strong overwhelming flavor. It just adds that background flavor that has everyone wondering what is added to this dish that they can’t quite put their finger on. You could substitute with a dash of Worcestershire sauce as well. Or if you just can’t possible stand the idea, just leave it out (but you’re really missing out on good stuff!)
  • frozen meatballs – I talk more in detail about these above in the FAQ section (Frequently Asked Questions).
  • sour cream – this is going to give you that delicious creaminess. You could substitute with plain Greek yogurt or a little bit of heavy cream. If you don’t like it creamy, just leave it out.
  • egg noodles – this is just for serving. You serve it however you like! Mashed potatoes are yummy too!
frozen meatballs, beef broth, cream of mushroom, onion soup mix, A1 sauce, egg noodles

HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT SWEDISH MEATBALLS:

In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, mix cream of mushroom soup with beef broth, onion soup mix and steak sauce. Stir well.

beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, a1 steak sauce

Then add in frozen meatballs.

frozen meatballs added to slow cooker

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high 3-5 hours.

Ninja Cooking system, slow cooker setting

When meatballs are ready, stir in sour cream.

sour cream added to cooked meatballs and gravy

At this time, put a pot of water on the oven to boil for your egg noodles (make according to package directions.) Drain noodles well when done.

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs in a thick, creamy sauce

Mix noodles and meatballs together.

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs, sauce and cooked egg noodles

Or serve meatballs on top of noodles

Slow Cooker Meatballs in Gravy Sauce

CRAVING MORE RECIPES?

Originally published: May 2015
Updated & republished: April 2019

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs and Gravy

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs (+Video)

Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs is an easy recipe made with frozen meatballs, sour cream, steak sauce, cream of mushroom and seasonings. Better than Ikea!
4.92 from 420 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup (low sodium)
  • 14 ounce can beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1 packet dry onion soup mix
  • 2 Tablespoons A1 steak sauce
  • 2 pound bag frozen meatballs
  • 16 ounce package egg noodles
  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

  • In a 5-6 quart slow cooker, mix 10.75 ounce can cream of mushroom soup (low sodium) with 14 ounce can beef broth (low sodium), 1 packet dry onion soup mix and 2 Tablespoons A1 steak sauce. Whisk together well.
  • Then add in 2 pound bag frozen meatballs and stir. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high 3-5 hours.
  • Just before meatballs are done, put a pot of water on the oven to boil for your 16 ounce package egg noodles (make according to package directions.) Drain noodles well when done.
  • After meatballs have finished cooking, stir in 1 cup sour cream.
  • Mix noodles and meatballs together or serve meatballs on top of noodles.

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
  • You can store leftovers in the refrigerator (in an airtight lidded container) for up to 3 days. Just put it in a pot on the stove to reheat or in the microwave.
  • This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool then put in a freezer safe container. If you do freeze, try to reheat slowly so the gravy doesn’t separate. I don’t think I would try freezing with the noodles if you made those and mixed it all together. The noodles will continue to absorb any liquid and get mushy.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 622kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 42g | Sodium: 829mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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Recipe Rating




334 Comments

  1. I can’t find any onion soup mix in the two stores I stopped at. I have no time to go to another store Is there anything I can do to replace it in the recipe please let me know Thank you

  2. 5 stars
    This recipe is a keeper and ALDI friendly so it’s easy on the wallet. I did have everything I needed from ALDI but forget the box of French onion soup mix. I ended up using a can of Campbell’s French Onion Soup in lieu of missing packet. This meant I omitted the beef broth in order to keep the liquid ratio right. I added some fresh cracked pepper and a touch of cayenne because I like a little spice in my food. This dish is so easy and I love that it’s perfect without using elevated cooking techniques. I’m going to make this again but hopefully with that missing packet. In the meantime the French onion soup wasn’t bad either. Thank you, Brandie, for an outstanding recipe.

  3. 5 stars
    Fantastic! And, so easy. My mods: Campbell’s golden mushroom soup, two minced garlic cloves, 0.5 tsp pepper, half chicken stock to beef broth (to use up what was in my fridge), and only 1.5 lbs of meatballs so there is a greater sauce to meatball ratio. Also, I served it on mashed potatoes. Thank you! – David

  4. 5 stars
    This is absolutely delicious!! My hubby had 2 helpings! He also said that he thinks what put it over the top was the way that he stirred it!!

    1. Are you asking if the meatballs in the frozen meatball package are already cooked before being frozen and packaged? Or are you asking if you need to heat up the meatballs before adding to the crock pot? Frozen meatballs are already cooked meatballs. All you’re doing is reheating them, not actually cooking them since they aren’t raw. They’re just frozen after they’re cooked then packaged. You do not need to heat those meatballs back up before adding to the crock pot as you can see if you look at my step by step photos and video. You can see they’re still frozen. Hope that helps

  5. 5 stars
    Anytime I try a new recipe, I always make the recipe as written to give the author the benefit of the doubt and then tweak it to my family’s liking afterwards.
    I was a little skeptical after mixing the liquids in the slow cooker (as it tasted pretty A1-y) but I persevered and trusted the process.
    Let me tell you… this recipe is PERFECTION! I made it with frozen “Cooked perfection brand Swedish Meatballs) and it was perfect as is. I did add a little pepper at the end for our family’s tastes but that was it.
    As a full time working mom of a toddler and preschooler, delicious (but easy) recipes like these are vital. This one is definitely going in our weekly rotation!

  6. Love this recipe!
    But my new mom brain got the best of me and I out the sour cream in at the beginning this time. Oops! We’ll see what happens… smh

  7. 5 stars
    This was delicious!! I think I’ve made it 4 or 5 times already! Your site is my favorite because everything you do is so detailed. It is so easy to understand and I never have to wonder if I’m doing it right. Plus, I really appreciate all the photos since I am a visual learner. I truly appreciate all the time and hard work you put into this because I am sure it is a lot of work. You are a natural born teacher!

    1. Awww wow – thank you so much for that Elizabeth! I can’t tell you how much that made my day to read. Thank you so so much for taking the time to comment and for letting me know what you like about the recipes. It’s so helpful and it really means so much!

  8. 5 stars
    We absolutely love this! There’s only two of us so I end up freezing the other half for another night. I just put it back into the slow cooker and reheat. Works perfectly!

  9. I have a four-quart slow cooker. Do I need to reduce the amounts of everything? I don’t want an overflow event 🙂 Thanks!

    1. 5 stars
      Best crock pot meal ever!! I absolutely love every single one of your recipes. I have tried a ton of them and they ALL turn out perfect! I can’t say that for all the food sites out there. I don’t even think they actually make the recipes they share but yours is always a guaranteed hit every single time! You lay it out so it is so easy to understand and I am so grateful you take the time to take step by step photos and give us such a simple recipe card to print out. I truly appreciate all your hard work and thank you for sharing your talents with us!

  10. 5 stars
    This is a household favorite! Thank you for a super easy and super delicious recipe. I double the sauce (we love extra sauce for the noodles). Then I saute 16 oz of baby bellas and add them at the end right before adding the sour cream. Perfection!

  11. 5 stars
    These are ridiculously easy and tasty. I wondered if the strong taste of the A1 would come through but it really doesn’t. It’s just that je ne sais quoi that the recipe describes. I did make a little cornstarch slurry to thicken it a little, but otherwise followed the recipe to a T. Definitely adding this to the comfort food rotation.

  12. 5 stars
    I make this for my elderly parents and freeze them in portions where they can just thaw and eat and it comes out perfectly from the freezer. If anything they just add extra gravy if I don’t make enough gravy. I try and double the Ingredients for a batch of meatballs so u have extra sauce. I have been using this recipe for years and everyone asks for my recipe they say I make the best Swedish meatballs!! I use Costco meatballs

      1. 5 stars
        The absolute best and easiest recipe I have tried (and I have gone through a few recipes). This is my new tried and true go-to recipe. If anyone is on the fence about the steak sauce – don’t be! It really is that little secret ingredient that makes these so much better than all the others out there!

  13. 5 stars
    I’m so glad I found this recipe! My kids love to help with dinner and this recipe is simple enough that even little helpers can do it. This is a family favorite!!