Before diving into the deliciousness of slow cooker Swedish meatballs, let’s chat about what makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or al dente egg noodles, and you will have a meal that warms the soul.
Add a fresh green salad on the side, perhaps dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that sings with flavor and nutrition.
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a few dollops of lingonberry jam can elevate the meal even further.
Ingredients Impact
Using ingredient lists is like gathering the characters for a great story. Each one has its role, contributing to the overall narrative of taste.
- Frozen Cooked Meatballs – These convenient orbs are the cornerstone of this dish. You can buy them, or if you’re feeling crafty, you can whip up your own from scratch. Let’s face it; who doesn’t appreciate a little shortcut now and again?
- Sour Cream – This ingredient adds a delightful creaminess. Its tang balances out the savory depth, making every bite feel luxurious.
- Dijon Mustard – Just a tablespoon gives a subtle kick. It’s like a little secret in the recipe that people will notice—but not quite guess.
- Mushroom Soup – The condensed creamy goodness envelops each meatball in luscious flavor. It works wonders in both creating the base of your sauce and adding a depth of umami.
- Beef Stock – This packs a savory punch. It’s the foundation that brings moisture, helping everything cook down beautifully.
Let’s not forget that the spices are key! From freshly ground black pepper to smoky paprika, they turn a simple recipe into a masterpiece. Honestly, the key is to keep it simple yet flavorful.
Ingredients List
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup tangy sour cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (28-ounce) package frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons of savory steak sauce
- 1 can condensed creamy mushroom soup
- 2 cups beef stock
How to Make Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
Cooking should be straightforward and enjoyable. Here’s how you can create this sumptuous dish.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you plug in the slow cooker, it’s crucial to prep. Chop the onion and measure out your ingredients. Puzzle pieces come together, and the whole kitchen starts to smell wonderful even before the cooking begins!
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
In your slow cooker, start by placing the thawed meatballs at the bottom. Sprinkle the chopped onion over the meatballs. This will allow the onion to lend its sweetness to the dish as it cooks.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, savory steak sauce, canned mushroom soup, and beef stock.
This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Spice It Up
Toss in the black pepper, sea salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder into your sauce mixture. Taste a little bit—honestly, it’s a snapshot of how delicious dinner is going to be!
Step 5: Combine
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and onions in your slow cooker. Stir gently to coat everything well. You want each meatball to be surrounded by the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking allows the flavors to develop. It is pure bliss when you finally open that lid to the aromatic feast within!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Once it’s ready, serve your Swedish meatballs over your choice of sides we’ve previously discussed. Garnish with some fresh, chopped parsley for that pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Notes
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s the final touch that brings everything together beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: It’s different from yellow mustard. It has a sharp and complex flavor profile that plays well with all the ingredients.
- Sour Cream: It helps to balance the savory and tangy notes in the dish. Its creaminess binds the sauce perfectly.
- Frozen Meatballs: A fantastic convenience. They come fully cooked, so you can focus on your sauce.
- Condensed Mushroom Soup: This provides a rich base for your sauce, enhancing the flavor profile. It gives the dish a creamy consistency without some extra effort.
- Beef Stock: Using homemade stock or low-sodium options can elevate this dish if you want to control the salt levels.
Recipe Variations
- Healthier Option: Substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still feels indulgent.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap meatballs for plant-based meatballs and use vegetable stock. You still get the richness without the meat.
- Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. Spice lovers will rejoice!
- Different Sauces: Instead of mushroom soup, consider a can of cream of chicken for a slightly different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Slow cooker Swedish meatballs are more than just a meal; they encapsulate comfort, ease, and flavor. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that feels like a warm hug. Whether for a family gathering, a busy weekday, or simply feeding your soul, this recipe shines through.
So, let’s embrace our inner chef and whip up this delightful dish—your taste buds will thank you. Happy cooking
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Slow Cooker Swedish Meatball Recipe – Easy Family Meal
Description
How great is it to come home after a long day and find a delicious meal waiting for you? That's the wonder of the slow cooker. I have marveled at how effortlessly it transforms a handful of ingredients into an enchanting feast.
Swedish meatballs are not just delightful little bites; they encapsulate comfort in every mouthful. They remind me of family gatherings, laughter around the table, and the delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen, bringing everyone together.
I started experimenting with this recipe when I realized how easy and satisfying it is. Utilizing ingredients that dance together harmoniously is something I can appreciate. It all comes together effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Not only is it convenient, but it also allows the flavors to deepen and mingle throughout the cooking process.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
-
Before you plug in the slow cooker, it’s crucial to prep. Chop the onion and measure out your ingredients. Puzzle pieces come together, and the whole kitchen starts to smell wonderful even before the cooking begins!
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients
-
In your slow cooker, start by placing the thawed meatballs at the bottom. Sprinkle the chopped onion over the meatballs. This will allow the onion to lend its sweetness to the dish as it cooks.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, savory steak sauce, canned mushroom soup, and beef stock.
This is where the magic happens—the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Spice It Up
-
Toss in the black pepper, sea salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder into your sauce mixture. Taste a little bit—honestly, it’s a snapshot of how delicious dinner is going to be!
Step 5: Combine
-
Pour the sauce over the meatballs and onions in your slow cooker. Stir gently to coat everything well. You want each meatball to be surrounded by the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
-
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking allows the flavors to develop. It is pure bliss when you finally open that lid to the aromatic feast within!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
-
Once it’s ready, serve your Swedish meatballs over your choice of sides we've previously discussed. Garnish with some fresh, chopped parsley for that pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 422kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 21.2g33%
- Saturated Fat 7.9g40%
- Trans Fat 0.8g
- Cholesterol 195mg65%
- Sodium 615mg26%
- Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
- Protein 53g106%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s the final touch that brings everything together beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: It’s different from yellow mustard. It has a sharp and complex flavor profile that plays well with all the ingredients.
- Sour Cream: It helps to balance the savory and tangy notes in the dish. Its creaminess binds the sauce perfectly.
- Frozen Meatballs: A fantastic convenience. They come fully cooked, so you can focus on your sauce.
- Condensed Mushroom Soup: This provides a rich base for your sauce, enhancing the flavor profile. It gives the dish a creamy consistency without some extra effort.
- Beef Stock: Using homemade stock or low-sodium options can elevate this dish if you want to control the salt levels.
