The Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Swedish meatballs are a comforting classic, known for their tender texture and rich, creamy sauce. This recipe combines traditional spices and a luscious gravy to create a dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine ground beef, panko bread crumbs, parsley, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and egg. Mix until everything is well combined.
2. Step 2: Roll the mixture into 12 large meatballs or 20 smaller ones. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, turning continuously until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons flour. Whisk constantly until the mixture turns a golden brown color, forming a roux.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer them in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors. Serve hot over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, soak the panko bread crumbs in a little milk before mixing into the meat.
• Substitute ground pork or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Add a splash of soy sauce to the sauce for a deeper umami kick.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. You can also freeze the cooked meatballs with sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately and refrigerate overnight. Reheat together before serving for the best flavor.

What should I serve with Swedish meatballs?

Traditional accompaniments include egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even steamed rice. Lingonberry jam also pairs beautifully if you want a sweet contrast.

The Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe

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4.5 from 93 reviews

Classic Swedish Meatballs made with ground beef and warm spices, smothered in a creamy, rich gravy. This comforting dish features tender meatballs cooked to perfection and served in a luscious sauce flavored with beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Ideal served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for an authentic Swedish experience.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 large meatballs (serves 4-6) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Swedish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Gravy

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 1 pound ground beef, 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 egg until fully combined.
2. Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 12 large meatballs or 20 smaller ones, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
3. Cook Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 7-8 minutes, turning continuously to brown all sides until cooked through. Remove the meatballs and transfer to a plate; cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Make Gravy Base: In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons flour. Whisk together and cook until the mixture turns brown, creating a roux as the base for the sauce.
5. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Slowly pour in 2 cups beef broth and 1 cup heavy cream while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
6. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the gravy and simmer together for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors and heat through fully.
7. Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or your preferred side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

Notes

• Using panko breadcrumbs adds a light texture to the meatballs but can be substituted with regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
• Adjust seasoning salt and pepper to taste before simmering the meatballs in the gravy for the best flavor balance.
• Do not overcrowd the skillet when browning meatballs to ensure even cooking.
• The gravy thickens as it simmers; adjust consistency by adding a little more beef broth if necessary.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Swedish Meatballs, meatballs recipe, creamy gravy, ground beef meatballs, traditional Swedish dish