Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Dill Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Swedish meatballs simmered in a creamy, dill-infused sauce, served over buttered egg noodles for a cozy, family-friendly meal. This scandinavian-inspired slow cooker ready in about 260 minutes blends ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 240 min Serves 4 Scandinavian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1/4 cup milk, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper; mix with spoon until evenly incorporated and no dry spots remain.
  2. Step 2: Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange in a 4-quart slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Melt 1 tbsp butter in small skillet over medium heat; add 1/2 cup chicken broth, simmer until slightly reduced, then pour over meatballs in slow cooker.
  4. Step 4: Cover with lid and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly (test by cutting into a meatball; center should be no longer pink).
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill; cook uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens to coat spoon.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream until fully incorporated and sauce is creamy and smooth.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Dill Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Dill Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Dill Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Dill Sauce?

Scandinavian slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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