Name: Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 egg; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp butter (for frying); 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Swedish Meatballs simmering in a rich, creamy gravy. This classic dish is a heartwarming blend of tender, flavorful meatballs and a luscious sauce that’s perfect for spooning over a bed of noodles or mashed potatoes.

My first encounter with Swedish Meatballs was at a holiday potluck, where I couldn’t resist going back for seconds—and maybe thirds! Since then, this recipe has become a family staple, cherished for its timeless appeal and easy preparation.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to embrace your new favorite comfort food. These Swedish Meatballs are everything you love about a hearty, homemade meal: quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying.

First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. While it looks and tastes like a labor of love, the entire dish comes together in about 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

These meatballs are a budget-friendly option for feeding the whole family. Using simple pantry staples like breadcrumbs, onions, and cream, you can whip up a dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget how versatile they are! Pair them with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up that creamy gravy. You can also make a large batch and freeze some for later, making meal prep a breeze.

Finally, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress at gatherings. Their rich flavor and creamy sauce feel fancy enough for special occasions while remaining approachable and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Swedish Meatballs lies in the balance of flavorful ingredients that come together to create their iconic taste. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine.

Ground Meat: A blend of ground beef and pork is ideal for the meatballs. The pork adds a bit of fat and flavor, while the beef keeps the texture hearty and satisfying.

Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs work perfectly here. They act as a binder and help keep the meatballs moist. Soaking them in milk adds an extra layer of tenderness.

Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients infuse the meatballs with a deep, savory flavor. Finely dice the onion to ensure it incorporates smoothly into the mixture.

Spices: A mix of allspice and nutmeg gives Swedish Meatballs their signature warmth. These spices are subtle but essential for an authentic taste.

Creamy Sauce: The sauce combines beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard to create a silky, rich gravy. If you’re watching calories, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.

For equipment, you’ll need a large skillet for frying the meatballs and a whisk for achieving a lump-free sauce. A cookie scoop can be helpful for portioning the meatballs evenly.

How To Make This Swedish Meatballs Recipe

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

Start by preparing the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, diced onion, garlic, an egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined; overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Next, shape the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size cooks quickly and evenly.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a generous tablespoon of butter or oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per batch, and set them aside on a plate.

To make the gravy, return the skillet to the stove and reduce the heat to medium-low. Melt some butter in the pan, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer until thickened.

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them to coat. Cover the skillet and let them simmer gently for 10 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are cooked through and infused with the sauce.

Serve the Swedish Meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Total time, including preparation and cooking, is approximately 40 minutes, making this dish as quick as it is comforting.

Storage Options

Swedish Meatballs store beautifully, making them an excellent choice for meal prep or leftovers.

For refrigeration, allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you’d like to freeze them, arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, thaw frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight, then warm them gently on the stovetop in the sauce. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs.

For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and pork. The flavor will be slightly different, but the result is just as delicious.

Looking to add a touch of sweetness? Stir a teaspoon of lingonberry jam into the sauce before simmering the meatballs. It’s a traditional Swedish addition that enhances the flavor.

Gluten-free? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the meatball mixture for a hint of heat.

Experiment with serving ideas, too. These meatballs are fantastic over rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or even served solo as an appetizer.

No matter how you prepare them, these Swedish Meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your household. So grab your skillet and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!