There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Swedish meatballs simmering in a rich, creamy sauce. With their tender texture and perfectly balanced flavors, these little bites of heaven are a staple in kitchens worldwide.
I first discovered the magic of Swedish meatballs on a trip to my grandmother’s house during the holidays. She served them with a side of buttery mashed potatoes, and from that moment, I knew I had to recreate them at home. This recipe has become a family favorite, gracing our table for cozy dinners and special occasions alike. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!
Why You'll Love This Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Get ready to add a new classic to your recipe rotation. This Swedish meatball recipe is the perfect mix of simplicity, flavor, and versatility.
First, the meatballs themselves are incredibly tender and juicy. A blend of ground beef and pork, along with breadcrumbs soaked in milk, ensures each bite is packed with flavor and has a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Next, the creamy sauce is a showstopper. Made with a base of beef broth, heavy cream, and a hint of Dijon mustard, it strikes the perfect balance between richness and tang. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially when served over noodles or mashed potatoes.
This recipe is also a breeze to make. With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in under an hour. Plus, it's easily customizable for different dietary needs or preferences.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want a cozy meal for your family, these Swedish meatballs are guaranteed to impress. Now, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that bring this dish to life.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Swedish meatballs lies in their combination of simple, well-chosen ingredients that create layers of flavor and texture.
The meatball mixture starts with a blend of ground beef and ground pork. This combination creates the perfect balance of flavor and fat content. If you prefer, you can use all beef or substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
Breadcrumbs soaked in milk are essential for keeping the meatballs moist and tender. You can use plain breadcrumbs or panko for a slightly lighter texture. Don’t skip this step—it’s the key to that perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
For seasoning, onion and garlic provide a savory base, while a pinch of allspice and nutmeg gives the meatballs their signature Swedish flavor. These spices may seem subtle, but they add warmth and complexity to the dish.
The sauce is where the magic truly happens. Beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard combine to create a rich, velvety consistency. To thicken the sauce, a simple roux of butter and flour does the trick.
Lastly, you’ll want to have some fresh parsley on hand for garnish. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby note to the finished dish.
If you have a large skillet and a whisk, you're all set for this recipe. Let’s move on to the step-by-step process.
How To Make This Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Creating these Swedish meatballs is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal on your table.
Start by preparing the meatball mixture. Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs soaked in milk, minced onion, garlic, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, rolling them gently between your palms. This recipe makes about 20-24 meatballs, depending on their size.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, sear the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan—this ensures even cooking. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1 minute, then slowly add beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, letting the sauce simmer until it thickens.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, and garnish with fresh parsley. The entire process takes about 45 minutes, making this a perfect weeknight meal.
Storage Options
Swedish meatballs are just as delicious the next day, making them ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
To store, place the cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
When reheating, you may need to add a splash of beef broth or cream to bring the sauce back to its original consistency. Stir well to ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Variations and Substitutions
This Swedish meatballs recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences or dietary needs.
- For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef and pork. Keep the other ingredients the same to preserve the flavor.
- Want a dairy-free option? Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use almond milk for soaking the breadcrumbs.
- Add a touch of heat by stirring in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
- Experiment with herbs by adding a touch of thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an earthy twist.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. It’s all about bringing comfort and joy to your table. Whether you stick to tradition or put your spin on it, these Swedish meatballs are sure to become a cherished favorite.
PrintThe Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe
This delicious Swedish meatballs recipe combines juicy, tender meatballs with a rich and creamy gravy for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it's a classic dish bursting with flavor and easy to make.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried and Simmered
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Ground pork
- Onion, finely chopped
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Egg
- Garlic powder
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, and spices in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Heat butter in a skillet, cook meatballs until browned on all sides, then remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, make the gravy by whisking flour into melted butter. Gradually add beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Simmer the gravy until thickened, then return the meatballs to the skillet and cook through.
- Serve meatballs with gravy and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a traditional pairing.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, and add a touch of Dijon mustard to the gravy for extra depth.
- Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
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