Name: Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 26 oz frozen, precooked meatballs; 4 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chopped parsley, for garnish; Egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving

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I’m introducing my version of Crockpot Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy—a nostalgic, comforting dish that needs minimal effort. I rely on frozen meatballs and pantry staples to deliver a rich, silky gravy that clings to every noodle or potato bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly this dish comes together—just dump and relax thanks to frozen meatballs. I adore the buttery roux and warm spices like allspice and nutmeg for that classic Swedish twist. I find it perfect for feeding everyone—kids dig it over egg noodles, and adults appreciate the rich flavor. Plus, it’s flexible—I’ve served it with rice, mashed potatoes, and noodles depending on the mood.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Frozen, precooked meatballs (around 26 ounces)
Butter (for the roux)
Flour (for the roux)
Beef broth
Heavy cream
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
Allspice and nutmeg
Salt and pepper
Egg noodles or mashed potatoes, for serving

directions

I spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray to keep cleanup easy.
I place the frozen meatballs (I use about 26 ounces) directly into the crockpot.
In a skillet, I melt 4 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, and form a golden roux.
I gradually whisk in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
I stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a dash of allspice, and a pinch of nutmeg. I let it simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
I pour the gravy over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
I cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for about 2 hours.
Just before serving, I garnish with parsley and serve it over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Servings and timing

Servings: I typically serve this for about 6 people.
Cook time: I cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for about 2 hours.

Variations

I’ve experimented with a few twists:

Mushroom Gravy: I add sliced mushrooms into the sauce for extra umami.
Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: I swap in lighter options for a leaner version.
Cheesy Twist: I’ll stir in grated parmesan just before serving to enhance the richness.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat gently on the stove, stirring occasionally so the gravy stays creamy. For longer storage, I freeze it (minus the noodles) for up to a month—when reheating, I do so slowly and add a splash of cream or broth to revive the texture.

FAQs

How should I store the leftovers?

I refrigerate the meatballs and gravy in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When I heat it up, I do so over low heat, adding a bit more liquid if needed.

Can I freeze this dish?

I do freeze the meatballs and gravy (without noodles) for up to a month. I defrost it slowly and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or cream so the sauce stays silky.

Do I need to use frozen meatballs?

I like frozen, precooked meatballs for convenience. But if I use fresh or homemade ones, I make sure they’re mostly cooked before adding and adjust the time accordingly.

Can I skip the roux?

The roux gives me that classic silky texture in the gravy. I could skip it, but I’ve found the sauce doesn’t thicken or cling as well without it.

What sides go well with it?

I serve it over egg noodles most often. Sometimes I go with mashed potatoes or rice—or even steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.

Conclusion

I’ve made this Crockpot Swedish Meatballs recipe over and over because it’s reliable, cozy, and quick. Whether I need to serve a weeknight dinner or a crowd, it always delivers rich flavor and warm satisfaction with almost no effort.