Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Last Updated: September 2025

Cozy Make-Ahead Swedish Meatballs Recipe (Freezer-Friendly)

When I was a kid, Swedish meatballs were our ultimate comfort dinner—especially on nights when my mom needed something hearty and fast that everyone would eat without a single complaint. Now that I’m the one juggling carpools, last-minute projects, and hungry people, I keep trays of homemade Swedish meatballs in the freezer. On wild days, I pop them in the slow cooker in the morning, slide them into the oven right before dinner, or air fry a small batch when we’re short on time, and the whole house smells like cozy comfort without stress.

This batch makes plenty (I usually get 60–65 depending on size), so you can serve half tonight and freeze the rest for another easy dinner. They’re rich, creamy, and perfect over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Curious how these compare to the famous store-bought version? See IKEA’s official Swedish meatballs page for fun context.

History note: Want a quick backstory? Here’s a concise overview on the history of Swedish meatballs from Britannica.

Ingredients & Supplies

The full ingredient list and exact amounts are in the recipe card below 👇, but here are the tools that make prep fast:

• Large mixing bowl & sheet pans
• Cookie scoop or meatballer for uniform size
• Freezer-safe bags or trays
• Slow cooker (5–6 qt), 9×13-inch baking dish with foil, or air fryer

Step-by-Step: Freezer Prep

1. Mix and roll the meatballs (see recipe card). Arrange on lined sheet pans.
2. Bake just until set, then cool completely.
3. Portion into meal-sized bags or trays. Label with date and cooking method.
4. Make the gravy base per the recipe and portion alongside (or plan to make fresh on cook day).

How to Cook Swedish Meatballs from Frozen in the Slow Cooker

Best for hands-off, all-day cooking: Add frozen meatballs to the crock-pot and pour the gravy over the top.

• Low: 6–8 hours
• High: 3–4 hours

Stir once mid-cook if you’re home. Sauce will thicken slightly as it simmers; add a splash of beef broth or milk at the end if you want it looser.

How to Cook from Frozen in the Oven

Great for quicker weeknights: Preheat to 350°F. Place frozen meatballs in a baking dish, cover with sauce, and cover tightly with foil.

• Bake: 40–50 minutes, until heated through and bubbly. (Very large meatballs may need a few extra minutes.)
• Optional: Uncover for the last 5 minutes for lightly browned spots on top.

How to Cook from Frozen in the Air Fryer

Quickest option for small batches: Place frozen Swedish meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

• Temp: 350°F
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through

Check with a meat thermometer to be sure they reach at least 165°F internally. I recommend using an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. If you want warm sauce too, heat it separately on the stove or in the microwave and drizzle over the cooked meatballs before serving.

Need a big air fryer for family-size batches? The Typhur Dome 2 Air Fryer has an extra-large capacity and powerful circulation that makes cooking meatballs (or anything!) faster and more even. Perfect when you don’t want to run multiple small batches.

What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs

We love these over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Steamed green beans, a crisp salad, or simple rice are easy sides that round out dinner.

Storing & Reheating Leftover Swedish Meatballs

• Fridge: 3–4 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months for best texture.
• Reheat: Low and slow—stovetop over medium-low with a splash of broth or milk, or covered in a 300°F oven until hot.

Reader Review

★★★★★
“Loved the recipe! It was super easy and delicious. I had some mushrooms I needed to use up so I sautéed them and added them to the gravy which added a nice flavor too. I got 55 rather than 65 meatballs but that was still enough for two people for two sittings while also freezing more for later! Making a second batch now!”

Final Thoughts on this Swedish Meatballs Freezer Meal

This Swedish meatballs recipe is a true weeknight lifesaver: simple ingredients, big comfort, and plenty of sauce to spoon over your favorite sides. Whether you go slow cooker, oven, or air fryer, they’re tender, creamy, and always a hit.

Meatball Rolling Tip

If hand-rolling isn’t your thing, a meatballer keeps the size consistent so everything cooks evenly (and faster). Here’s a Stainless Steel Meat Baller that works well:

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Swedish Meatball Freezer Meal Recipe

These freezer-friendly Swedish meatballs are tender, creamy, and easy! Prep a big batch, freeze, then cook straight from frozen in the slow cooker, oven, or air fryer.

4.54 / 5 ( 28 Reviews )

Print Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Serves: 13

Adjust Servings: 13

Equipment

• 9x13-inch pan

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
• 6 ounces Stove top stuffing mix for pork 1 package
• 2 eggs beaten
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 1 ¼ cups water
• 12 ounces beef gravy 1 jar
• ½ cup sour cream
• parsley optional garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C. Line two 9x13 pans with foil and spray with cooking spray.
• Stir ground beef, stuffing mix, eggs, onion and water together, just until blended. Shape into meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter. Plan on making around 65 meatballs, depending on size. Place them in the prepared pans.
• Bake 20 minutes, or until done (160ºF/71°C).
• Mix gravy and sour cream in large saucepan or skillet. Add meatballs; gently stir to coat. Cook on low heat 5 minutes, or until sauce is heated through, stirring occasionally. Thin sauce with water, if needed.

TO FREEZE:

• Bake the meatballs for 10 minutes at 350°F/175°C. Remove from the oven and let cool. Place in gallon size resealable freezer storage bag. Mix the gravy and sour cream and place in sandwich size bag then place with the meatballs inside the gallon size bag and freeze.

To PREPARE after freezing:

• Thaw meatballs and sauce. Cook meatballs at 350°F/175°C for 15 minutes, or until cooked through. Then heat in the sauce as directed above.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 6g | Sodium: 356mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g