A LITTLE INSPIRATION FOR EVERY MEAL Have a recipe? Share it →
Home / Main Course
THE RECIPE COLLECTION · Main Course

Slow-Cooked Swedish Meatballs

These tender, flavorful meatballs simmer slowly in a creamy sauce, making for a comforting and hearty meal. Perfect for cozy nights, this recipe brings a taste of Sweden right to your dinner table.

Start cooking ↓
TIME2 hr 30 min
SERVINGS4
RATING5.0 / 5
Slow-Cooked Swedish Meatballs
01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

You Might Like
Chicken and Pasta Delight
01

Step 1

In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, oats, egg, garlic, allspice, ginger, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Then, shape the mixture into meatballs about the size of two tablespoons each—you should end up with around 17.

02

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt a couple of tablespoons of butter. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them so they get a nice crust all over—this should take about 4 to 6 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, flip the meatballs, and cook for another 3 minutes. Once browned, transfer them to your slow cooker, but keep the pan handy because you’ll use the drippings for your sauce.

03

Step 3

Back on the stove, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour and whisk for about 30 seconds until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly whisk in the water, beef base, and steak sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce come to a boil and thicken, which should take around a minute. Pour this sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.

04

Step 4

Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours until the meatballs are tender and flavorful.

05

Step 5

Before serving, scoop out about a quarter cup of the cooking liquid into a small bowl. Stir in the yogurt slowly to temper it and prevent curdling, then gently mix it back into the slow cooker. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Brown the meatballs lightly before adding them to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs or soak stale bread in milk for a softer texture.
- Stir the sauce gently toward the end to avoid breaking the meatballs.

Why you’ll love it

These meatballs are tender and flavorful thanks to slow cooking. The rich sauce blends creamy and savory notes that make every bite comforting. It’s a perfect dish for busy days when you want something homemade without much fuss.

Serving ideas

Serve with buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option. A side of pickled cucumbers or lingonberry jam adds a nice tangy contrast. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top brightens the flavors.

Storage & leftovers

Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain texture and flavor.

KEEP EXPLORING

More to make.