Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe: A Cozy Comfort Classic

Crafting authentic Swedish meatballs brings warmth to any dinner table.

Generations of cooks have perfected this comforting classic from nordic kitchens.

Rich, creamy sauce promises pure culinary satisfaction with every bite.

Tender meat combines perfectly seasoned ingredients into delectable spheres of goodness.

Fragrant spices like nutmeg and allspice create a complex flavor profile.

Comfort and tradition merge seamlessly in this beloved scandinavian dish.

Gather ingredients and let’s make something extraordinary that connects you to centuries of delicious heritage.

What to Serve Alongside Swedish Meatballs

• Cozy Family Feast: Serve these hearty Swedish meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, letting the rich gravy soak into every bite for a comforting dinner experience.
• Nordic Dinner Party Platter: Arrange meatballs on a large wooden board with lingonberry jam, pickled cucumbers, and fresh dill for an authentic Scandinavian-style presentation that wows guests.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Slice meatballs and tuck into soft hoagie rolls with extra gravy and caramelized onions, creating a delicious sandwich that turns leftovers into a totally new meal.
• Hearty Grain Bowl Twist: Combine meatballs over quinoa or barley, topped with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream for a nutritious and satisfying alternative to traditional serving methods.

How to Store Swedish Meatballs to Keep Freshness

• Refrigerate Swedish meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they are completely cooled before storing.
• Separate meatballs and gravy into different containers to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for maximum 2-3 months, using freezer-safe plastic wrap or bags to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I use only ground beef instead of a mix of beef and pork?

Yes, but using a combination of meats creates a more tender and flavorful meatball. If you only have ground beef, the recipe will still work, but might be slightly less rich.

• What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed crackers, panko, or even quick oats as a replacement. Each option will slightly change the texture but will help bind the meatballs together.

• Is allspice necessary for authentic Swedish meatballs?

Allspice is traditional and adds a distinct warm flavor. If you don’t have it, you can use a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg as a close alternative. The taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

Swedish Meatballs Bursting with Flavor

• Savor Comforting Flavors: Rich, hearty Swedish meatballs deliver a warm culinary embrace that feels like a cozy family dinner.
• Craft Easy International Cuisine: Create restaurant-quality dishes without complex techniques, making global cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a satisfying meal with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that transform basic components into a delectable dinner.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties where everyone craves a delicious, classic comfort food that appeals to multiple taste preferences.

Ingredients for Traditional Swedish Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and lean protein that forms the foundation of the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and moisture to the meatball mixture.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk, Egg: These ingredients help bind the meat together and create a tender texture for the meatballs.
• Onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatball mixture.

• Allspice, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: These classic spices give the meatballs their signature Swedish flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth base for the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the gravy and create a silky texture.
• Beef Broth: Provides a deep, savory base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious, creamy consistency to the gravy.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances the overall umami flavor of the dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Swedish Meatballs

Step 1: Blend Meat and Seasonings

• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Meatballs

Gently roll the meat mixture into small, uniform balls approximately one inch in diameter. Work carefully to create consistent sizes for even cooking.

Step 3: Brown Meatballs to Perfection

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully place meatballs into the pan, rotating them to ensure each side develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Once fully browned, transfer meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Gravy Base

Using the same skillet, melt additional butter.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.

Step 5: Build Rich Gravy Layers

Gradually pour beef broth into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Add heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to a luxurious consistency.

Step 6: Reunite Meatballs with Gravy

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Let them simmer in the creamy sauce for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the Swedish meatballs alongside creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles.

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Insider Tips for Perfect Swedish Meatballs

• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for richer, more complex flavor and tender texture.
• Chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes before rolling meatballs to help them hold their shape during cooking.
• Work with slightly damp hands when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking and ensure uniform size.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning meatballs to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust without steaming.
• Whisk the gravy constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky sauce that coats the meatballs beautifully.

Flavorful Twists to Try with Swedish Meatballs

• Vegetarian Meatballs: Replace ground beef and pork with lentils, mushrooms, and plant-based breadcrumbs for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour for the gravy.
• Spicy Scandinavian Remix: Add smoked paprika and cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour and serve over cauliflower mash instead of traditional potatoes.

Quick Swedish Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Nordic comfort shines through this Swedish meatballs classic from Sweden’s culinary traditions. Creamy sauce and tender meat promise a delightful journey you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (227 grams) ground pork

Binding and Moisture Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Spices and Seasonings:

• 0.25 teaspoon ground allspice
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Blend ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, finely chopped onion, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
2. Craft uniform meatballs approximately one inch in diameter, using gentle rolling techniques to maintain consistent size.
3. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat (around 350°F), carefully rotating meatballs to achieve golden-brown exterior on all surfaces. Transfer browned meatballs to a separate plate.
4. Using the same skillet, create a roux by melting additional butter and whisking in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until mixture turns light golden.
5. Gradually stream beef broth into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lump formation, then incorporate cream and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Simmer gravy until it reaches a thick, velvety consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes.
7. Reintroduce meatballs to the gravy, allowing them to gently heat and absorb flavors for 8-10 minutes.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Present the meatballs piping hot, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes or tender egg noodles.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef and pork with balanced fat content for juicy, tender meatballs that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to create a softer, more delicate meatball texture that melts in your mouth.
• Chill the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before rolling to help them hold their shape and prevent falling apart while cooking.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch instead of wheat flour in gravy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg