This Easy Swedish Meatballs recipe is a comforting classic that transforms store-bought frozen meatballs into a creamy, flavorful dish. With its rich gravy made from a blend of beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and evaporated milk, this dish is perfect for those days when you crave hearty, home-style cooking but don’t have the time for complicated preparation. Thanks to the slow cooker, the meatballs become tender and soak up all the savory flavors, while the creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over noodles or rice. This recipe makes a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (32 oz) frozen Italian-style or homestyle meatballs (approximately 60 meatballs)
- 1 can (14.75 oz) 50% reduced-sodium beef broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 packet (.87 oz) brown gravy mix
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup water
- 1 can (5 oz) evaporated milk
Instructions
1. Prep the Slow Cooker:
Spray the insert of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Add the frozen meatballs to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Gravy Mixture:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, brown gravy mix, garlic powder, and water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the gravy mixture over the frozen meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 4-5 hours. The meatballs will heat through and absorb the savory gravy as they cook.
4. Add the Creamy Element:
Around the 4-hour and 30-minute mark (or after 5 hours if you prefer), stir in the evaporated milk. This step will give the sauce a rich, creamy texture that’s iconic in Swedish meatballs.
5. Final Cooking and Serve:
After adding the evaporated milk, cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until everything is heated through and the gravy has thickened slightly. Serve immediately over cooked egg noodles or rice for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Meatball Variations: You can use either Italian-style or homestyle meatballs depending on your preference. Both work well with the creamy gravy sauce.
- Perfect Gravy Consistency: Be sure to stir the gravy mixture thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps. For a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of water.
- Time Saving Tip: Use pre-cooked, frozen meatballs for maximum convenience. If you want to make your own meatballs, brown them first before adding to the slow cooker.
- Serving Suggestions: Swedish meatballs are traditionally served over egg noodles, but they’re also great over mashed potatoes, rice, or even alongside a crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Make it Even Creamier: If you prefer an even richer sauce, add a tablespoon or two of sour cream along with the evaporated milk for a velvety finish.
This simple recipe delivers all the rich, comforting flavors of Swedish meatballs with minimal effort. Perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing ahead for a no-fuss dinner!
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