Name: The Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp allspice; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup milk; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

There's nothing quite like a plate of tender, flavorful Swedish Meatballs served over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. The combination of perfectly seasoned meatballs and a rich, velvety gravy makes this dish a comfort food classic that’s loved worldwide.

I first discovered Swedish Meatballs during a trip to a Scandinavian food festival, and it was love at first bite. Since then, I’ve worked to perfect my recipe, ensuring it’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite dinner!

Why You'll Love This Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to savor the ultimate comfort food with this Swedish Meatballs recipe. It’s everything you could want in a meal – hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.

First, these meatballs are incredibly tender, thanks to a special mix of ground beef, pork, and breadcrumbs soaked in milk. This combination ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s irresistible.

The rich, creamy gravy is a showstopper on its own. Made with a blend of beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce, it’s perfectly balanced with just the right amount of seasoning.

This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. Serve the meatballs over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and pair them with a side of lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish touch.

Finally, it’s surprisingly quick and easy. With a little prep and some simple cooking techniques, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under an hour.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Swedish Meatballs comes from the careful combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe shine.

Ground meat is the star of the show, and I recommend a mix of beef and pork for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can use all beef or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.

Breadcrumbs soaked in milk create the perfect soft texture for the meatballs. This step is crucial, as it keeps them moist and tender during cooking.

Onions and garlic add depth and a savory base to the meatballs. Finely chop your onions and sauté them lightly to bring out their sweetness.

The gravy starts with a roux made from butter and flour, giving it a silky consistency. Adding beef broth and heavy cream ensures it’s rich and indulgent, while Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle tang.

If you have it, lingonberry jam is a traditional pairing that adds a sweet-tart contrast to the savory flavors. You can also substitute cranberry sauce in a pinch.

Finally, you’ll need a large skillet for frying the meatballs and a whisk for making the gravy. These tools make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

How To Make This Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Making Swedish Meatballs is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.

Start by preparing the meat mixture. In a large bowl, combine your ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, sautéed onions, garlic, and seasonings. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Next, shape the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter – this size ensures they cook evenly and stay tender.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of butter or oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides. Remove the cooked meatballs and set them aside.

In the same skillet, make the gravy. Start by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a roux. Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic flavor.

Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Let them simmer gently for about 10 minutes to finish cooking and absorb the flavors.

Serve the meatballs hot, topped with fresh parsley and a dollop of lingonberry jam if desired.

Storage Options

Swedish Meatballs are perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store them properly:

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the meatballs and gravy together to keep the flavors intact.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To reheat, warm the meatballs and gravy in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the meatballs tough.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Swedish Meatballs is their versatility. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:

Swap the beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom to the meat mixture for a more traditional Swedish flavor.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Experiment with the gravy by adding a splash of sherry or white wine for a touch of elegance.
Serve the meatballs over different bases, like cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles, for a low-carb option.

No matter how you customize it, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination!