Crockpot Swedish Meatballs

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs Recipe - Authentic Swedish Dish

Region / culture: Sweden | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that is loved by many for its savory flavors and comforting appeal. This recipe for Crockpot Swedish Meatballs takes the traditional dish to a whole new level by making it easy to prepare in a slow cooker. The result is tender and flavorful meatballs that are perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

History

Swedish meatballs have been a staple in Swedish cuisine for centuries, with variations of the dish dating back to the 18th century. Originally, Swedish meatballs were made with a mixture of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices like allspice and nutmeg. Over time, the dish has evolved to include ingredients like bread crumbs and cream, giving the meatballs a tender and moist texture.

Ingredients

4 slices of white bread, finely chopped
2 lb (907 g) of lean ground beef
4 egg yolks
4 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp of dried onion flakes
1 tsp of salt
1 tsp of mustard powder
1 tsp of ground ginger
0.5 tsp of garlic powder
0.5 tsp of ground black pepper
1 can of condensed French onion soup
0.25 cup of all-purpose flour
0.25 cup of sour cream
1 tbsp of sauce

How to prepare

Combine bread with 0.5 cup of water.
Let it stand for about 2 minutes.
Stir in beef, yolks, 2 tbsp of parsley, onion, salt, mustard, ginger, garlic, and pepper.
Roll heaping tablespoonfuls of the meat mixture into balls, making about 60 meatballs.
Place the meatballs in a crockpot.
Mix together soup and flour, then pour it over the meatballs.
Cook on high for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Stir in sour cream and sauce.
Serve the dish sprinkled with the remaining parsley.

Variations

For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
You can add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
To make the dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour instead of white bread.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the white bread to ensure that it blends well with the meat mixture.

- Rolling heaping tablespoonfuls of the meat mixture into balls will help ensure that the meatballs cook evenly.

- Stirring the meatballs occasionally while cooking in the crockpot will help prevent them from sticking together.

- Adding sour cream and sauce at the end of cooking will give the dish a creamy and rich flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs can be served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a hearty meal. They can also be served with lingonberry sauce on the side for a traditional Swedish touch.

Cooking Techniques

Using a crockpot to cook the meatballs allows them to simmer slowly in the flavorful sauce, resulting in tender and juicy meatballs.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have dried onion flakes, you can use finely chopped fresh onion instead. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This can save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Crockpot Swedish Meatballs in a large serving dish garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. You can also serve them in individual bowls for a cozy and comforting meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs pair well with a side of lingonberry sauce, pickled cucumbers, and a crisp green salad. They also go well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Crockpot Swedish Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Crockpot Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Crockpot Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Crockpot Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Crockpot Swedish Meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the bread) and dairy (from the sour cream).

Summary

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crockpot Swedish Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. With a rich and savory sauce, tender meatballs, and a creamy finish, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Crockpot Swedish Meatballs. It was a cold winter day, and I had been craving something warm and comforting to fill my belly. I had always been a fan of Swedish meatballs, but I had never tried making them myself. So, I decided to do some research and see if I could find a recipe that I could easily make at home.

I searched through my old cookbooks and scoured the internet for inspiration. After hours of searching, I finally came across a recipe that seemed perfect. It was simple, yet packed with flavor. The combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and spices, simmered in a creamy sauce, sounded like a dream come true.

Excited to try it out, I gathered all the necessary ingredients and got to work in the kitchen. As I mixed the meatball mixture together, the aroma of the spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I formed the meatballs and placed them in the crockpot, pouring the creamy sauce over the top.

As the meatballs cooked low and slow, the smell wafting through the house was absolutely intoxicating. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor. When the timer finally beeped, I eagerly lifted the lid of the crockpot and beheld a sight that made my heart sing. The meatballs were perfectly cooked and swimming in a rich, velvety sauce.

I took a bite and was immediately transported to a cozy little bistro in Sweden. The flavors were rich and savory, with just a hint of sweetness from the nutmeg and allspice. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but reflect on all the recipes I had collected over the years. Each one held a special place in my heart, a memory of a time and a place where I had learned something new and delicious. From my mother's famous lasagna to my aunt's decadent chocolate cake, each recipe told a story of love and family.

I thought back to my own grandmother, who had passed down her recipes to me with such care and pride. She had taught me the importance of cooking with love and passion, of sharing a meal with those you hold dear. And now, as I sat at the table enjoying my homemade Swedish meatballs, I felt her presence with me, guiding my hands and my heart.

I knew that this recipe would become a favorite among my family and friends, just like all the others I had collected over the years. And as I sat back in my chair, savoring the last bite of meatball, I felt grateful for all the culinary adventures that had led me to this moment. Cooking had always been my passion, my way of expressing love and creativity. And with each new recipe I discovered, I felt my heart grow a little fuller, a little warmer.

So, here I am, a grandmother with a treasure trove of recipes and memories, passing down the tradition of good food and good company to the next generation. And as I look back on that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe for Crockpot Swedish Meatballs, I can't help but smile and give thanks for all the joy and deliciousness that cooking has brought into my life.