Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Dill Sauce
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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- 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.
- Step 2: Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange in a 4-quart slow cooker.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- Step 6: Stir in 1/4 cup sour cream until fully incorporated and sauce is creamy and smooth.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The slow cooker did all the work! The meatballs were tender and the sauce was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Easy to make and so delicious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★★
These meatballs were a hit with my family! The sauce was creamy and flavorful.
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