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Throw dinner together fast with this slow cooker version of Swedish meatballs. Just three things needed. Tastes cozy and homemade with almost no effort at all. Easy busy-day win.
Why Try This
Toss it all in the crockpot. Flip it on. Walk away. Come back to hot food waiting. The gravy gets silky and the meatballs stay tender. Great piled on potatoes, rice, or noodles. So simple, you don't even need much kitchen know-how.
Stuff You'll Need
- Crockpot: Pick any size you like
- Frozen Meatballs: One big bag
- Sour Cream: About a cup
- Beef Gravy: One jar Heinz kind
How You Do It
- Dish it up:
- Spoon it onto hot rice, mashed potatoes, or wide noodles.
- Check for doneness:
- The meatballs should be hot all the way. Gravy gets nice and thick.
- Let it cook:
- Set your slow cooker low and cover for 5 hours. Stir occasionally if you remember.
- Add meatballs:
- Toss the frozen bag in. Give it a stir so everyone gets gravy love.
- Mix up sauce:
- Dump in the gravy, then sour cream. Whisk until creamy and blended.
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Fun Facts on Swedish Meatballs
Swedish-style meatballs come with creamy, brown gravy. Not the tomato sauce that Italians use. The slow cooker makes the sauce rich and thick. Some folks toss in onion soup mix, but this way keeps it extra easy.
How They're Not Like Italian Ones
Italian meatballs chill in tomato sauce packed with seasonings. These hang out in a creamy mix of gravy and sour cream. Gives them a velvety feel. Both are tasty, but this version screams comfort.
Tasty Combos
Egg noodles are awesome for grabbing up sauce. Mashed potatoes soak it all in too. Got rice? That works fine. Throw in some green veggies on the side if it sounds good to you.
Using Uncooked Meatballs
If you made your own meatballs, brown them first in a pan for extra flavor. Only takes a minute. You don't have to cook them all the way. They’ll get done in the slow cooker.
Leftover Ideas
Lasts up to three days in the fridge. Store in a container that seals tight. Warm up slow in a pan or microwave. If the sauce thickens up too much, splash in some milk. Makes a great meal next round too.
Fast Tricks
Keep the lid shut while it cooks so it stays hot. Want the sauce thicker? Crack the lid open for the last hour. For thinner sauce, pour in some milk or cream. Gently stir so the meatballs stay whole.
Switch It Up
Craving more tang? Add extra sour cream. Want it richer? Mix in some cream of mushroom soup. Mushrooms make a good add-in too. Try stuffing it in rolls the next day for easy lunches.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use fresh meatballs?
Absolutely! They cook quicker than frozen ones. Check after three hours instead of four. Whether store-bought or homemade, make sure they're pre-cooked for safety. Some folks like browning them first for extra flavor. To keep them soft, shape them golf-ball size. Be gentle with stirring or they'll fall apart.
- → What about different gravy?
You’ve got choices! Lighten it up with turkey gravy, or try chicken gravy. Mix two kinds if you'd like, or go rich with mushroom gravy. For an extra kick, stir in onion soup mix. Watch out for saltiness – some gravies pack more than others. If it’s too thick, add a bit of milk or broth. If it’s too thin, remove the lid for the last hour to thicken.
- → What goes good with it?
Classic mashed potatoes soak up the sauce perfectly. Egg noodles pair wonderfully, too. Looking for greens? Try steamed broccoli or beans. Some serve it over rice or alongside buttered bread. Add lingonberry jam for a Swedish touch. A simple side salad completes it. Pro tip: Cook extra mashed potatoes for leftovers – the sauce’s amazing with them!
- → Can I make it without meat?
For sure! Swap in frozen veggie meatballs – plenty of brands like Gardein or Beyond Meat have solid options. Use mushroom gravy to keep it vegetarian-friendly. Mushrooms themselves can sub for meatballs, but cook them less so they don’t turn too soft. Check labels to make sure your gravy’s fully vegetarian. More protein? Add white beans – it sounds odd, but trust us, it works!
- → Need it dairy-free?
No problem! Use dairy-free sour cream – oat, soy, or almond are great options. Coconut cream works too, though with a hint of coconut flavor. Cashew cream is another great choice; just blend soaked cashews till smooth. Double-check your gravy ingredients, as some sneaky dairy might slip in. For extra creaminess, blend cooked potatoes into the sauce. Most meatballs are dairy-free, but read those labels to be safe.
Conclusion
Craving easy meals? Whip up a three-ingredient chili dip in your slow cooker using chili, shredded cheese, and cream cheese. Or try BBQ chicken with just chicken, barbecue sauce, and some brown sugar. They're quick, simple, and full of flavor!