The Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe

There’s something irresistible about the comforting aroma of Swedish meatballs bubbling away in a creamy, savory sauce. Tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs paired with a rich, luscious gravy—this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

this Recipe

My love for Swedish meatballs began on a snowy winter evening when a friend invited me over for dinner. One bite of those melt-in-your-mouth meatballs, and I was hooked. Over the years, I’ve refined my own version of the recipe, and now it’s a family favorite. Let’s dive into why this recipe is destined to become your new go-to dinner idea.

Why You'll Love This Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with these unforgettable Swedish meatballs. They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

First off, the taste is unmatched. The combination of beef and pork creates juicy, tender meatballs, while the creamy sauce, flavored with hints of nutmeg and allspice, ties everything together beautifully. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Next, it’s a versatile dish. Serve it over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even rice, and it instantly transforms into a hearty, satisfying meal. Add a side of lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch.

This recipe is also family-friendly. Kids and adults alike love these meatballs, and the ingredients are simple enough that you probably already have most of them in your pantry.

Finally, it’s surprisingly quick to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this meal on the table in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Swedish meatballs lies in the perfect balance of ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful dish.

Ground beef and pork: Using a combination of these two meats results in the juiciest meatballs with just the right amount of richness. If you prefer, you can substitute with all beef or even ground turkey for a lighter version.

Breadcrumbs and milk: These two create a panade, which keeps the meatballs tender and moist. Be sure to let the breadcrumbs soak for a few minutes before mixing.

Onion and garlic: Finely chopped onion adds a sweet, aromatic base, while garlic enhances the flavor. For an extra smooth texture, you can grate the onion.

Nutmeg and allspice: These warm spices are the secret to the authentic Swedish flavor. Don’t skip them—they’re what give this dish its unique, comforting taste.

Heavy cream and beef broth: The sauce gets its velvety texture from heavy cream, while beef broth adds depth and savoriness. For a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of cream.

You’ll also need a large skillet or frying pan to cook the meatballs and sauce seamlessly in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

How To Make This Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Creating this dish is simple and straightforward, but the results are anything but ordinary. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by preparing the meatball mixture. In a large bowl, combine your breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to form a soft mixture, then add the ground beef, pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, an egg, and the spices. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine without overworking the meat.

Next, form the meatballs. Using a small scoop or your hands, shape the mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This ensures even cooking.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them gently to get a golden crust on all sides. Remove them from the skillet and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

For the gravy, start by melting butter in the same skillet. Whisk in a bit of flour to create a roux, cooking until it turns golden and smells nutty. Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, then stir in heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Serve your Swedish meatballs over a bed of buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Swedish meatballs store beautifully for another meal.

Refrigeration: Transfer the cooled meatballs and sauce into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Freezing: Swedish meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Meal prep: Make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. When ready to serve, simply brown them and prepare the sauce fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own.

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or a lower-fat dairy alternative.

Add a touch of herbaceous flavor by incorporating chopped parsley or dill into the meatball mixture. It adds a fresh twist to the dish.

If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made frozen meatballs and focus on perfecting the sauce. While not as authentic, it’s a great time-saver.

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the flour in the roux with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.

Experiment with different sides. While egg noodles and mashed potatoes are classics, Swedish meatballs also pair well with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.

No matter how you serve them, these Swedish meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit. With their tender texture, rich flavor, and versatility, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

Print