Name: Swedish Meatball Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 small onion (finely chopped); 1 egg; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

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If there’s one comfort food that instantly turns dinner into a celebration, it’s this Swedish Meatball Recipe. With tender, bite-sized meatballs nestled in a blanket of silky, richly flavored gravy, every forkful is a cozy blend of tradition and decadence. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet weeknight, this dish brings everyone to the table with anticipation. The aroma alone promises a dinner you’ll return to again and again. Get ready to master a classic that will quickly earn a starring spot in your recipe box!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, yet every one of them plays a starring role in creating that iconic taste, texture, and color. Gathering the right basics lets each layer—from savory meatball to creamy gravy—truly sing.

Ground Beef (1 pound): Provides hearty richness that forms the foundation of the meatballs.
Ground Pork (1/2 pound): Adds tenderness and juiciness, keeping every bite moist.
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): These help bind the meatballs while keeping them beautifully soft.
Milk (1/4 cup): Soaks the breadcrumbs for extra moisture and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Onion, Finely Chopped (1 small): Brings sweet-savory depth to each bite—freshly chopped is key!
Egg (1): Acts as the glue that holds the meatballs together.
Ground Allspice (1/4 teaspoon): Lends that subtle, unmistakable Swedish flavor.
Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Offers warmth and aromatic lift—don’t skip it!
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a gentle kick to balance the sweetness.
Butter, for Cooking (2 tablespoons): For that golden, browned exterior and unbeatable flavor.
Butter for Gravy (2 tablespoons): Build your sauce on this rich foundation.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Creates a smooth, luscious roux for the gravy.
Beef Broth (2 cups): Delivers deep, savory flavor to the sauce.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): The secret to luxurious, velvety gravy.
Worcestershire Sauce (1 tablespoon): A splash of umami with a hint of tang.
Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon): Brightens the sauce and rounds out the flavors.
Salt and Pepper to Taste: A final seasoning to make the gravy pop.

How to Make Swedish Meatball Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs

Start by soaking your breadcrumbs in milk for about five minutes. This little step is what makes your meatballs so incredibly soft and juicy—it’s truly the secret weapon in this Swedish Meatball Recipe. Letting the breadcrumbs absorb the milk creates a pillowy texture you’ll notice with every bite.

Step 2: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

In a big mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, the milk-soaked breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir gently, just until everything is combined—over-mixing can make the meatballs tough. Now, shape the mixture into small golf-ball sized rounds, about one inch each. You’ll find the aroma even before they hit the pan is already promising!

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning gently so all sides get golden and caramelized. This not only adds a gorgeous color and flavor, but the little browned bits left behind will also boost your gravy. Set the cooked meatballs aside on a warm plate.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—those pan drippings are pure gold!), add two more tablespoons of butter. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking for about a minute until it turns golden and starts to smell nutty. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste, letting the sauce simmer for five to six minutes, until it thickens up into a silky blanket.

Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy

Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy gravy. Let them simmer for another five minutes—this melds the flavors, ensures the meatballs are cooked through, and coats each one in that dreamy sauce. Give the skillet a gentle shake now and then, and breathe in as your kitchen fills with the ultimate home-cooked aroma.

How to Serve Swedish Meatball Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley does wonders for brightness and color, while a handful of lingonberry jam (a classic Scandinavian touch) adds a burst of sweet-tart flavor that makes this Swedish Meatball Recipe extra memorable. If you don’t have lingonberry, a spoonful of cranberry sauce works beautifully in a pinch.

Side Dishes

Tradition calls for creamy mashed potatoes, which are an absolute dream for soaking up all that delicious sauce. But don’t overlook buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice—they transform your meal into pure comfort. Add a side of crisp cucumber salad or bright, lemony green beans for a crisp crunch alongside the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning this Swedish Meatball Recipe into party-perfect appetizers by skewering each meatball with a cocktail pick and serving extra gravy on the side for dipping. Or, make sliders with buttery rolls, spooning in a bit of sauce for that irresistible bite. Leftovers also make an incredible Swedish meatball sub—toast a baguette, layer in the meatballs and sauce, and watch smiles appear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra meatballs and gravy can be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen overnight, so leftovers are just as tempting as the original.

Freezing

This Swedish Meatball Recipe freezes fantastically. Place the cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag (removing as much air as possible), and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. A microwave works in a pinch, but keep the power low and cover the dish to keep the meatballs moist and the gravy silky.

FAQs

Can I use only one type Main Course

Absolutely! While the blend of beef and pork gives the best flavor and juiciness, you can use all beef or all pork if that’s what you have on hand. For a lighter touch, ground turkey or chicken are good substitutes too.

What if I don’t have allspice or nutmeg?

The allspice and nutmeg are traditional spices that set this Swedish Meatball Recipe apart, but if you’re out, a pinch of cinnamon or even ground cloves can stand in. The flavor will be a little different, but still delicious.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can shape the meatballs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge before cooking, or even freeze them raw for those extra busy days—just thaw before browning.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

It’s all about the ratio of breadcrumbs to milk and the gentle mixing. Don’t overwork the meat, and make sure the breadcrumbs are soaked fully before adding. Chilling the shaped meatballs for 20 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape perfectly, too.

What makes this Swedish Meatball Recipe different from regular meatballs?

It’s the combination of warm spices, the blend of meats, and that iconic creamy gravy that set it apart. Regular meatballs are often served with tomato sauce, while these are nestled in a velvety, slightly tangy cream sauce—totally irresistible!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you for dinner), you absolutely have to try this Swedish Meatball Recipe. It’s a dish that will win hearts at first bite—just don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Swedish Meatball Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, comforting flavors of homemade Swedish Meatballs with this easy-to-follow recipe. Tender meatballs in a creamy gravy, served over your favorite starch, make for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the meatballs:

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)

For the gravy:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the meatballs: In a small bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. Combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs. Cook in butter until browned and cooked through.
Make the gravy: In the same skillet, cook butter and flour until golden. Whisk in beef broth and simmer. Add cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Add meatballs back to the skillet and simmer until heated through and coated in the sauce.
Serve warm.