Get ready to fall in love with this Swedish Meatball Recipe, a dish that brings together tender, flavorful meatballs and a luscious, creamy gravy for the ultimate comfort food experience. Each bite is a heartwarming blend of savory beef and pork, aromatic spices, and a rich sauce that begs to be spooned over mountains of mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. Whether you’re introducing your family to a classic Scandinavian favorite or simply craving a cozy, homemade meal, this Swedish Meatball Recipe is guaranteed to win you over with its irresistible taste and nostalgia-inducing aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Swedish Meatball Recipe lies in how each ingredient, though simple, plays a starring role in creating rich flavors and that signature creamy texture. Gather these essentials before you begin, and you’ll be amazed by how each element contributes to the finished dish.
- Ground beef: Gives the meatballs their hearty, classic foundation and a satisfying bite.
- Ground pork: Adds juiciness and a subtle sweetness to balance the beef.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender instead of dense.
- Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and brings extra moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Onion (finely minced or grated): Adds sweetness and depth, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder, holding everything together with just the right amount of richness.
- Ground allspice: Provides that unmistakable Swedish aroma and warm, peppery flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Lends a gentle hint of spice that makes the meatballs uniquely Scandinavian.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors and seasons the mixture perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Butter (for frying): Ensures the meatballs brown beautifully and adds a touch of indulgence.
- Butter (for gravy): Starts the base of the creamy sauce, infusing it with richness.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that dreamy, spoon-coating consistency.
- Beef broth: Deepens the gravy’s savory flavor and ties the dish together.
- Heavy cream: Gives the gravy its silky smoothness and luxurious mouthfeel.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami pop that brightens the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle sharpness and complexity to the creamy gravy.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Finish off the sauce with just the right seasoning.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Breadcrumbs
Begin your Swedish Meatball Recipe by combining the breadcrumbs and milk in a large mixing bowl. Letting this mixture sit for about five minutes ensures the breadcrumbs soak up all that creamy goodness, setting the stage for delightfully tender meatballs. This little step is a game-changer for texture—don’t skip it!
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Add the ground beef, ground pork, finely minced onion, egg, ground allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper right into the bowl with your soaked breadcrumbs. Gently mix everything together just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so use a light touch—think of it as folding together a delicate cake batter.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
With clean hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into 1-inch balls. Try to keep them uniform in size for even cooking. This is a fun step to get the family involved—kids love helping roll these little guys, and you’ll appreciate how quickly the batch comes together.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, fry the meatballs until they’re beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes total. As they sizzle away, your kitchen will fill with the unmistakable aroma of a classic Swedish Meatball Recipe in the making! Once done, set the meatballs aside on a plate.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Gravy
In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits add flavor!), melt another portion of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps remain, then add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens to creamy perfection, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Return your browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious gravy. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes to let the flavors meld and the meatballs warm through. This final step transforms humble ingredients into something magical—your Swedish Meatball Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the dish. For a traditional Swedish touch, serve with a dollop of tangy lingonberry jam on the side—the sweet-tart flavor is the perfect counterpoint to the savory gravy.
Side Dishes
Classic accompaniments for a Swedish Meatball Recipe include creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice. These options soak up all that irresistible gravy and make the meal extra satisfying. A simple cucumber salad or steamed green beans are lovely, fresh sides to round out your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or appetizer spread, try serving Swedish meatballs on toothpicks with a little extra gravy in a bowl for dipping. Or, make sliders by tucking a few meatballs and sauce into soft rolls—kids and adults alike will be delighted. You can even spoon them over crispy toast points for a chic, Scandinavian-inspired canapé.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Swedish Meatball Recipe is a gift—store any extra meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making lunch or dinner the next day even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked meatballs (without the sauce) for up to two months. Let them cool completely, arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. The gravy can also be frozen separately in a container—just give it a good stir when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. For a quick option, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Avoid boiling, as the sauce may separate.
FAQs
What makes this Swedish Meatball Recipe different from Italian meatballs?
The secret is in the spice blend! Swedish meatballs feature warming spices like allspice and nutmeg, and they’re served with a creamy, savory gravy instead of tomato sauce. The texture is also a bit softer, thanks to the breadcrumb and milk mixture.
Can I use only beef or only pork?
Absolutely! While a combo of beef and pork gives the meatballs their signature flavor and juiciness, you can use just one type Main Course. Even ground chicken or turkey works for a lighter version.
Is lingonberry jam required?
Lingonberry jam isn’t strictly necessary, but it adds a traditional Swedish touch and a lovely sweet-tart contrast to the creamy, savory flavors. If you can’t find lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce makes a tasty substitute.
Can I make this Swedish Meatball Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and swap the all-purpose flour in the gravy for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch slurry. You’ll enjoy all the classic flavors without the gluten.
How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?
Be sure to mix the meatball ingredients just until combined and avoid overhandling. The egg and breadcrumbs act as binders, so make sure they’re evenly distributed. Chilling the shaped meatballs for 20 minutes before frying can also help them hold together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and brings a little Scandinavian magic to your table, this Swedish Meatball Recipe is the one to try. It’s a meal that always feels like home, whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring leftovers solo. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!
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Swedish Meatball Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This classic Swedish Meatball recipe features tender meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices like allspice and nutmeg. Served in a rich and creamy gravy infused with beef broth, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest. Perfect for a cozy family meal, served over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely minced or grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Creamy Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soften, ensuring the meatballs remain moist.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: Add the ground beef, ground pork, finely minced onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands or a scoop for uniform size.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding, turning occasionally until all sides are browned and the meat is cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs and set aside.
- Make the creamy gravy: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it turns a light golden color, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth to prevent lumps, then add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until it thickens, stirring frequently.
- Combine meatballs and gravy: Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer everything together for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, ideally over mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute all ground pork and beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Meatballs can be made in advance and frozen for quick meals later.
- Serve with lingonberry jam on the side for a traditional Swedish touch; it adds a delightful sweet contrast.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
