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Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe Easy Cream Sauce for Comfort Food

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A comforting and easy slow cooker Swedish meatballs recipe with a rich, creamy sauce perfect for cozy dinners and busy cooks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for flavor and juiciness)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups beef broth (homemade or low sodium store-bought)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, beaten egg, salt, black pepper, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg. Mix just until combined without overworking the meat.
  2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, about 24 pieces, keeping them uniform for even cooking.
  3. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil for about 2 minutes per side until golden but not cooked through. This step adds flavor but can be skipped.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together beef broth and all-purpose flour until smooth to prevent lumps. Set aside.
  5. Place meatballs into the slow cooker. Pour the broth and flour mixture over them. Add unsalted butter, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir gently to combine without breaking the meatballs.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until meatballs are tender and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream. Check seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. Cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
  8. Before serving, stir the sauce well. If the sauce is too thin, thicken by mixing 1 teaspoon cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in, cooking for a few more minutes.

Notes

Browning the meatballs before slow cooking adds flavor but is optional. Add cream near the end to keep the sauce silky and prevent curdling. If sauce is too thin, thicken with cornstarch slurry. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. The recipe is forgiving if timing is slightly off.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, Swedish meatballs, cream sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy sauce, meatballs recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/slow-cooker-swedish-meatballs-recipe-easy-cream-sauce-for-comfort-food/