If you’ve been craving the ultimate comfort food with a touch of Scandinavian soul, you’re in for a treat with this Swedish Meatballs Recipe. This classic dish brings together juicy, tender meatballs seasoned just right, nestled in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these meatballs deliver warmth and happiness in every bite, making it a true kitchen favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to nailing this Swedish Meatballs Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from the panko breadcrumbs that keep the meatballs perfectly tender, to the spices that add a subtle yet distinctive Scandinavian flair. The sauce ingredients come together to create that silky, savory finish that elevates this dish to unforgettable status.
- 1 pound ground beef: The base of the meatballs, providing rich flavor and hearty texture.
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs: Adds tenderness and a light bite to the meatballs.
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped): Freshness and a hint of green color brighten the mix.
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice: A warm, aromatic spice that’s essential to authentic flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ cup onion (finely chopped): Provides sweetness and moisture for juicy meatballs.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and a gentle garlic touch.
- â…› teaspoon pepper: A little kick to enhance the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and brings out all the ingredients’ true taste.
- 1 egg: Binds the meatball mixture together perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the meatballs and adding richness.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used alongside olive oil for extra flavor when cooking meatballs.
- 4 tablespoons butter: The base of the creamy sauce, making it silky smooth.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the meatballs.
- 2 cups beef broth: Infuses the sauce with savory goodness and depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luscious, velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami; substitute with soy sauce plus a dash of vinegar if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce a slight tang and complexity.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Final seasoning to perfect the sauce flavor.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Start by combining the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, ground allspice, nutmeg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the egg in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently just until everything comes together—overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough, so keep it tender and light.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 12 large or 20 smaller ones, depending on your preference. The key is to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. This part is fun—try to keep them smooth and compact but don’t press too hard!
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs carefully, ensuring they aren’t crowded, and cook for around 7 to 8 minutes. Turn them to brown all sides beautifully, creating a golden crust full of flavor. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns a lovely golden brown. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, becoming luxuriously creamy.
Step 5: Finish Cooking the Meatballs in Sauce
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your taste. Return the meatballs back into the skillet and simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to warm through and soak up all that delicious sauce flavor. This step guarantees every bite is bursting with richness.
Step 6: Ready to Serve
Your Swedish Meatballs Recipe is now ready to shine. Whether ladled over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, they deliver cozy satisfaction like no other. Don’t forget to spoon extra sauce on top to tempt every hungry soul at the table.
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with freshly chopped parsley to brighten the creamy sauce, or add a sprinkle of fresh dill for a Scandinavian twist. A few crispy fried onions on top introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender meatballs.
Side Dishes
Traditional sides like buttery egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes perfectly soak up the sauce, making each forkful an irresistible mix of textures. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad work wonders to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the meatballs inside warm, buttered dinner rolls as sliders, or stack them over a bed of buttery spaetzle. Even turning this dish into a Swedish-inspired meatball sandwich with lingonberry jam adds a surprising pop of sweet tartness that will leave your guests raving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish keeps beautifully, and flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day nearly as good as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately or together for up to 3 months. Freeze them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to airtight bags to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat Swedish meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help refresh the sauce’s silky texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground pork works wonderfully and will give your meatballs a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. Some recipes even mix beef and pork for the best of both worlds.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you want to avoid Worcestershire sauce, use a combination of soy sauce with a splash of vinegar. This swap keeps the umami and tangy notes that the original sauce provides.
How can I make the meatballs extra tender?
Using panko breadcrumbs and mixing the meat gently without overworking helps keep the texture tender. Also, don’t skip letting the meatballs cook evenly on all sides to seal in the juices.
Is Swedish Meatballs Recipe spicy?
This recipe isn’t spicy in the traditional sense. The warm spices like nutmeg and allspice add depth without heat, making it suitable for all palates, including kids.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can form the meatballs a few hours before cooking and store them in the fridge. Just give them a quick sear and sauce simmer before serving for fresh taste.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatballs Recipe is a true comfort classic that never fails to bring smiles around the dinner table. It’s approachable, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion when you want to hug someone through food. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and prepare to make it a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
Classic Swedish Meatballs are tender, flavorful meatballs cooked in a creamy, savory sauce made from butter, flour, beef broth, and cream. This quick and easy recipe combines fragrant spices like allspice and nutmeg with ground beef, onion, and breadcrumbs to create a comforting dish perfect for serving over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- â…› teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (or substitute with soy sauce and a dash of vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and egg. Mix gently until just combined without overworking the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 12 large or 20 smaller uniform meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 7–8 minutes, turning occasionally to brown all sides evenly. Once browned, transfer meatballs to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth until the sauce is smooth. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Heat Through: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and simmer everything together for 1–2 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. Spoon extra sauce over the top and garnish with chopped parsley if desired for added freshness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour for the sauce.
- If avoiding Worcestershire sauce, use soy sauce combined with a dash of vinegar as a substitute.
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size to cook evenly.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove.
