Swedish Meatballs are a cozy, comforting dish that features tender meatballs in a rich, creamy gravy. This classic Swedish recipe combines ground beef, seasoned with warm spices like nutmeg and allspice, creating a hearty and flavorful bite. The creamy sauce, made from beef broth, sour cream, and a touch of mustard, envelops the meatballs in a velvety richness, making it the perfect dish to serve over mashed potatoes or with lingonberry jam for a touch of sweetness.
I first made Swedish Meatballs when I was looking for something indulgent and filling for a winter dinner. The meatballs are browned in a skillet, then simmered in a creamy sauce that’s both savory and slightly tangy. The subtle warmth from the spices adds depth, and the sauce ties everything together, creating a dish that’s satisfying and comforting.
What I love most about Swedish Meatballs is how versatile they are. You can serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a sandwich. The flavors are comforting and familiar, yet the creamy sauce gives them an elegant twist. This dish is perfect for family meals, holiday gatherings, or whenever you want to enjoy something hearty and delicious.
Perfect for:
- Family meals
- Holiday gatherings
- Dinner parties
- Weeknight dinners
- Meatball lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Swedish Meatballs will become your go-to comfort food:
- Rich and Savory Flavor: The combination of beef gives these meatballs a rich, savory flavor.
- Creamy Gravy: The velvety gravy perfectly complements the meatballs for an indulgent dish.
- Classic Seasoning: A blend of allspice and nutmeg creates that authentic Swedish flavor.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow, with ingredients that are easy to find.
- Versatile Meal: Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice for a delicious, filling meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday or a weeknight, these meatballs are a hit every time.
- Make-Ahead Option: The meatballs and gravy can be prepared in advance, making dinner time stress-free.
- Family-Friendly: The mild flavors make this a dish that everyone can enjoy.
- Comforting Dish: The combination of tender meatballs and creamy gravy is the ultimate comfort food.
- Freezable: These meatballs freeze well, making them perfect for meal prepping or making ahead.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 30g
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- ½ lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons butter for frying
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lingonberry sauce
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: A blend of meats creates juicy and tender meatballs.
- Allspice and Nutmeg: These spices bring an authentic Swedish flavor to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: The creamy gravy adds richness and smoothness to the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Provides umami flavor to the gravy, enhancing its depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Meatballs:
- Combine Meat and Seasonings: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and milk.
- Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.
Make the Gravy:
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
- Make Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Add Broth and Cream: Gradually add the beef broth and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the gravy thickens.
- Season: Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Meatballs and Gravy:
- Simmer Together: Return the meatballs to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the gravy. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lingonberry sauce on the side, if desired.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Swedish Meatballs:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the meatballs and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes for a classic pairing.
- On Egg Noodles: Serve over egg noodles for a hearty and filling meal.
- With Rice: Pair with rice for a simple, satisfying side.
- As an Appetizer: Serve as bite-sized meatballs with toothpicks for an appetizer at parties.
- With Lingonberry Sauce: The tangy sweetness of lingonberry sauce balances the savory meatballs and gravy.
- As a Sandwich: Make a meatball sandwich using Swedish rye bread or crusty rolls.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed green beans or peas for a lighter option.
- As a Snack: Serve on toothpicks for a fun, bite-sized snack.
- For Holiday Dinners: These meatballs make a festive addition to any holiday spread.
- For Meal Prep: Portion out the meatballs and gravy for an easy-to-reheat lunch or dinner.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle to avoid tough meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs Well: Ensure the meatballs are nicely browned to develop deep flavor before adding to the gravy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure meatballs are fully cooked by checking that they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Adjust Gravy Thickness: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Make Smaller Meatballs: If serving as appetizers, shape the meatballs smaller, around 1/2-inch in diameter.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey Swedish Meatballs: Use ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
- Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs: Substitute the meat with lentils or a meat substitute.
- Spicy Swedish Meatballs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Beef-Only Meatballs: Use only ground beef for a slightly richer flavor.
- Swedish Meatball Casserole: Layer meatballs and gravy in a casserole dish, top with mashed potatoes, and bake for a comforting twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free butter for the gravy and substitute egg with a flax egg.
- Keto Swedish Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for a low-carb version.
- Swedish Meatball Soup: Make a hearty soup by adding vegetables and extra broth to the meatballs and gravy.
Special Equipment
- Large Skillet: For frying and simmering the meatballs in the gravy.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the meatball ingredients.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Whisk: For making the roux and ensuring a smooth gravy.
- Large Spoon or Tongs: For gently handling the meatballs while frying.
FAQ Section
- Can I use pre-made meatballs?
Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs, but homemade ones offer the best flavor and texture. - How long do the meatballs last in the fridge?
The meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze Swedish Meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. - Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or even beef-only meatballs work well in this recipe. - How do I make the gravy thicker?
If the gravy is too thin, simmer it longer to reduce or add a bit more flour to thicken it. - Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats to make the meatballs gluten-free. - Can I make Swedish Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, both the meatballs and gravy can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. - How can I make the meatballs more tender?
Use milk and breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs moist and tender. - What can I serve with Swedish Meatballs besides mashed potatoes?
Try serving with roasted vegetables, boiled potatoes, or even a fresh salad for a lighter meal. - Can I skip the cream in the gravy?
Yes, you can make a lighter version by using just broth or adding a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
These Swedish Meatballs are a comforting, classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender meatballs made from a mixture of beef are seasoned with aromatic spices like nutmeg and allspice, then smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. Served with mashed potatoes or lingonberry jam, these meatballs offer a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
The magic of this recipe is in the combination of flavors and textures. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, while the gravy is velvety and comforting. The warmth of the spices, along with the tangy-sweet lingonberry jam, makes this dish a crowd-pleaser and an absolute favorite.
I’d love to see your Swedish Meatballs creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious, cozy meals. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any unique touches or side dishes that made your Swedish meatballs uniquely yours!