There are few things in life that bring me more joy than a slow cooker full of meatballs simmering away in a creamy, velvety gravy.

These Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs are one of those recipes that can do it all. They can be the center of a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at a party. Basically, these little meatballs are overachievers, and we love them for it.
And honestly? This recipe couldn’t be easier. We’re talking about frozen meatballs, a quick homemade sauce, and a slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Versatile – Serve as a main dish or a party appetizer.
- Easy prep – Uses frozen meatballs and simple pantry ingredients.
- Rich, homemade flavor – That gravy is silky, savory perfection.
- Slow cooker magic – Minimal effort, maximum flavor.

Flavor Boosters That Make This Recipe Shine
I’ve made my fair share of meatball recipes (I may or may not have about 6 other frozen meatball recipes on my site… what can I say? I’m known for my saucy balls).
Here’s what takes these Swedish meatballs from “good” to “lick-the-spoon amazing”:
Better Than Bouillon for the broth
I always use Better Than Bouillon to make my beef broth. It gives the sauce a richer, beefier flavor than boxed broth, and it’s easy to keep on hand.
Crush garlic cloves
Instead of minced garlic, I crush the cloves and let them simmer in the sauce. This adds subtle, garlicky depth without overpowering the other flavors.
An extra splash of Worcestershire sauce
The recipe calls for a tablespoon plus a teaspoon. That little extra splash gives the gravy a boost of savory richness and complexity.
The result? A velvety, creamy sauce that clings to every single meatball.
Serving Suggestions: Dinner or Appetizer
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make it a cozy family dinner or a go-to party snack.
Here are my favorite ways to serve them:
- Over egg noodles – The classic Swedish meatball pairing.
- On mashed potatoes – Because carbs on carbs just work.
- With rice – A simple way to stretch the meal.
- As an appetizer – Just add toothpicks and you’re party-ready.
I personally like to use Italian-style frozen meatballs, but beef, turkey, or chicken all work great too.
Don’t forget to garnish with parsley to give your balls a little pop.
Why the Crock Pot is Perfect for This Recipe
Using a slow cooker lets the sauce meld with the meatballs, so every bite is packed with flavor. Plus, it keeps things hands-off, which gives me plenty of time to do something else.

More Meatball Recipes You’ll Love
If you love these Swedish meatballs, you’re going to want to try some of my other frozen meatball recipes:
Trust me, there’s no such thing as too many meatballs.
Final Thoughts
Whether you serve these Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs over noodles, mashed potatoes, or simply with toothpicks, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
And if you find yourself licking the spoon after making the gravy?
Well, you’re in good company. I’ve been there.
Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs
These Crock Pot Swedish Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food; tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy gravy. Made with frozen meatballs and a simple homemade sauce, this easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or game day spreads. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 (1 pound 10-ounce) bag frozen meatballs
- Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and slightly golden.
- Add broth: Slowly whisk in the beef broth until fully combined and smooth.
- Add garlic: Stir in the smashed garlic cloves and let them simmer for about 1 minute to infuse flavor.
- Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously.
- Season the sauce: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the crock pot: Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
- Combine: Pour the sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 9 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 168Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 404mgCarbohydrates: 4gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g
All amounts are estimates and DailyAppetite takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier.





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