If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely must try this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Broth Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender, well-seasoned meatballs swimming in a luxuriously smooth broth enriched by cream cheese. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that creates comforting, satisfying flavors that feel like a classic homemade meal, but with a richness and texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Broth Recipe plays an important role in crafting those tender, flavorful meatballs and the beautifully creamy broth that carries them. From the fresh herbs to the perfectly balanced blend of lean meats, each element contributes to the depth and coziness of this dish.
- Olive oil: Ideal for sautéing aromatics and adding subtle fruitiness.
- Small onion (minced): Provides a sweet, savory base flavor when softened.
- Clove garlic (minced): Adds signature warmth and depth to the meatballs and broth.
- Celery stalk (minced): Introduces light, bittersweet crunch and texture.
- Minced parsley (¼ cup): Fresh herbaceousness brightens the overall taste.
- Ground turkey (½ pound, 93% lean): Keeps meatballs moist and lean with subtle flavor.
- Ground beef (½ pound, 95% lean): Adds hearty savory richness and juiciness.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder, holding the meat mixture together perfectly.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (¼ cup): Provides structure and a gentle crumb texture, gluten-free option works too!
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and enhances all flavors in the meatballs.
- Black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and earthy undertone.
- Allspice (½ teaspoon): Gives a warming hint of exotic spice that defines traditional Swedish meatballs.
- Reduced sodium beef broth (2 cups): The comforting base that the meatballs simmer in and the creamy broth is made from.
- Reduced fat cream cheese (3 ounces): Creates the luscious texture and mild tang in the broth.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): Adds fresh pops of color and herby brightness to finish.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Broth Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add minced onions and garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant—about 4 to 5 minutes. This step unlocks the sweet-savory foundation essential for both the meatballs and broth. Then stir in the minced celery and parsley, cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until everything softens and melds harmoniously. Set this aromatic mixture aside to cool, so it won’t cook the meat prematurely when combined.
Step 2: Mix and Form Your Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the lean ground turkey and beef with the cooled onion mixture, egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, kosher salt, black pepper, and allspice. Mixing everything evenly is the secret to uniform, flavorful meatballs that hold together beautifully. Once combined, gently shape the mixture into roughly 16 equal-sized meatballs—this ensures even cooking and perfect bites every time.
Step 3: Simmer Meatballs in Beef Broth
Return your skillet to the stove, adding the 2 cups of reduced sodium beef broth and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Carefully lower each meatball into the simmering broth, reducing heat to medium-low once all are in the pot. Cover the skillet and let the meatballs cook through for about 20 minutes, absorbing those rich broth flavors while maintaining their tender texture.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Broth and Combine
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked meatballs to a serving dish and set aside. Strain the broth carefully to remove any solids, then pour it into a blender along with the cream cheese. Blend until completely smooth and creamy—this transformation brings luxurious texture to the entire dish. Return this velvety broth to the skillet, add back the meatballs, and simmer gently for a few more minutes so everything warms together in perfect harmony.
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Broth Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the meatballs just before serving. This simple garnish adds a burst of vibrant green color and a hit of fresh, herbal brightness that balances the rich, creamy broth beautifully. The contrast in color and freshness makes the dish feel both homey and elegant.
Side Dishes
Swedish meatballs with creamy broth pair wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy egg noodles, which soak up every delicious drop of broth. Roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts also add a lovely crunch and vibrant colors to your plate, rounding out the meal with healthy freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the meatballs in small individual bowls or ramekins topped with a dollop of sour cream and extra parsley. You can also spoon the creamy broth over toasted crusty bread to create an indulgent open-faced sandwich experience. If you want to impress guests, place meatballs atop a bed of buttery spaetzle or even sweet potato mash for a colorful variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Swedish meatballs with creamy broth can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep meatballs and broth together to preserve moisture and flavor. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, place meatballs and broth in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing. When defrosted overnight in the fridge, they’ll reheat beautifully without losing their tender, comforting texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers over low to medium heat on the stove until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. The creamy broth will loosen up nicely as it comes back to life, making your second meal just as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs completely through step 3 and then refrigerate or freeze them before making the creamy broth. When ready to serve, just prepare the broth and combine everything for a fresh finish.
Is it possible to use only beef or only turkey?
Absolutely! Using just beef will give a richer flavor while turkey keeps the meatballs lighter. Combining both adds great texture and a perfect balance of lean and juicy.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the broth?
If you prefer, you can use sour cream, Greek yogurt, or heavy cream, but cream cheese gives that distinct silky texture and slight tang that’s signature in this recipe.
Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?
Definitely! Gluten-free crumbs work wonderfully in this recipe without compromising texture or taste, making it accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
The key is mixing gently but thoroughly and including a binding agent like egg and breadcrumbs. Also, letting the onion mixture cool before mixing prevents the egg from cooking prematurely, helping everything hold together perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Broth Recipe that turns simple ingredients into a dish you’ll want to make over and over. It strikes the perfect chord between comfort and sophistication, making it a winner for weeknight dinners or special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and savor every creamy, flavorful bite with the people you love.
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Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Broth Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These classic Swedish Meatballs are tender and flavorful, cooked gently in a rich broth and finished with a creamy sauce. Made with a blend of ground turkey and beef, seasoned with allspice and sautéed vegetables, they create a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 celery stalk, minced
- 1/4 cup minced parsley
- 1/2 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 1/2 pound 95% lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or gluten-free crumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 cups reduced sodium beef broth
- 3 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onions and garlic and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced celery and parsley and cook until softened, about 3-4 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, egg, the cooled onion mixture, breadcrumbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt (from total amount, reserve some for broth), black pepper, and allspice. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Form the mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs.
- Cook meatballs in broth: Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Carefully drop the meatballs into the broth slowly to avoid splashing. Cover the skillet and cook the meatballs gently in the simmering broth for about 20 minutes until they are cooked through.
- Make creamy sauce and finish: Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked meatballs and place them in a serving dish. Strain the broth to remove any solids, then transfer the broth to a blender. Add the reduced fat cream cheese and blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the sauce back into the skillet, return the meatballs to the sauce, and simmer gently for a few minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ground turkey and beef combination keeps the meatballs moist and flavorful.
- For extra richness, you may add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the blended sauce.
- Serve these meatballs with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a traditional Swedish experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
