What is Swedish Meatballs? What are those creamy, savory little orbs of deliciousness that practically melt in your mouth? I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it’s reached peak. Is it better than any restaurant version I’ve ever tried? Forget spaghetti and meatballs – these are a whole different level of cozy! If you’re looking for a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds (and thirds) then you need to try this recipe. This is *it*. It’s similar to Salisbury Steak, but much more flavorful. What is the best Swedish Meatball recipe?

What are Swedish meatballs?

What are Swedish meatballs? Think of them as tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a creamy, dreamy gravy. They’re not your average Italian meatballs. These are spiced with allspice and nutmeg, giving them a unique warmth and depth of flavor. It’s essentially a Scandinavian comfort food staple, and every family has their own version. The gravy is usually made with beef broth, cream, and flour to thicken it up. The name “Swedish Meatballs” comes from Sweden! They’re a hugely popular dish there, often served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled onions. What is the combination of all the above?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to adore this recipe! What I love most about this **Swedish Meatballs Recipe** is how incredibly flavorful they are. The combination of spices creates this warm, comforting taste that’s just irresistible. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make! Don’t let the creamy gravy intimidate you. It comes together in minutes! Another bonus? It’s pretty budget-friendly. Ground beef is usually a relatively affordable option, and you probably already have most of the other ingredients in your pantry. And let’s not forget the versatility! You can serve these over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even as sliders on mini buns.

This recipe stands out because I’ve really focused on building layers of flavor. I always brown the meatballs really well, because that adds so much depth to the gravy. I also use a combination of ground beef and ground pork, which gives them the perfect texture. The slight tang of the sour cream at the end makes all the difference, trust me on that! If you’re a fan of meatballs, you might also enjoy a good Italian meatball recipe with marinara, but these **Swedish Meatballs** are definitely worth a try, especially if you’re looking for something a little different!

How do I make Swedish meatballs?

Quick Overview

How do I make Swedish Meatballs? How do you make meatballs? If you want to cook them in a skillet until they’re golden brown on all sides, you’ll need to boil them first. After that, you’ll make the creamy gravy right in the same pan, using the flavorful drippings from the pan. If you cook meatballs in the gravy, you’ll simmer them until they’re cooked through. What is the best part about this recipe? It’s mostly hands-off, so you can relax while it simmers away on the stove.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs: What
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)
* ½ pound ground pork
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for a lighter texture)
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* ¼ cup milk
* 1 teaspoon allspice
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and pepper to taste

What is Creamy Gravy?
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups beef broth
* ½ cup heavy cream
* 14 cup sour cream (adds a lovely tang, don’t skip it!)
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste

How do I follow step

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, salt and pepper. Set aside. Allspice, nutmeg, salt, pepper. Mix everything together gently with your hands until just combined. If you overmix meatballs, be careful not to over mix. My grandma always told me to treat meat gently – it makes a difference!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

With your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into small, round meatballs, about 12 inch thick. In inches of diameter. I find that using a cookie scoop helps keep them uniform in size, so they cook evenly.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are nicely browned and cooked through. Serve warm. What are some ways to add flavor to a gravy? Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms. What is called roux, and it’s the base of your creamy gravy. Is it a nice golden brown color? Why don’t skip browning it?

Step 5: Add the Broth

Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps that may form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken. I always use beef broth for the best flavor. I usually cook for about 5 minutes. If you have homemade broth, even better!

Step 6: Add the Cream and Seasonings

Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy is thick and bubbly. How do I thicken a cocktail? What is the magic of simmering sauce?

Step 7: Simmer the Meatballs in Gravy

Add the browned meatballs back to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the gravy. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the gravy is nice. I always make sure to taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes it needs a little extra salt, sometimes it just needs some pepper.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the **Swedish Meatballs** hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. And don’t forget the lingonberry jam! It adds a sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory meatballs that is simply divine. What are some of the best foods to

What should I serve it with?

What are Swedish Meatballs?For a Classic Meal:What is the best way to serve mashed potatoes with a dollop of lingonberries? The sweetness of the jam is the perfect complement to the rich, savory meatballs. What is a side of pickled cucumbers?For a Cozy Night In:Serve over egg noodles with a green salad. What is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinner? I sometimes sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.For a Party Appetizer: Serve them as sliders on mini buns with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh dill. These are always a hit at parties! You can even set up a “Swedish Meatball Bar” with different toppings and sauces for guests to customize their own sliders.

For Something Different: Try serving them over rice with a side of steamed vegetables. This is a lighter option that’s still packed with flavor. Brown rice or wild rice would be especially delicious!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these **Swedish Meatballs** even better!

Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing the meat will result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined.

Brown the Meatballs Well: Don’t rush the browning process. The browned bits add so much flavor to the gravy.

Use a Good Quality Beef Broth: The broth is the base of the gravy, so use a good quality one for the best flavor.

Don’t Skip the Sour Cream: The sour cream adds a lovely tang to the gravy that really elevates the dish.

Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes it needs a little extra salt, sometimes a pinch of pepper.

Make Them Ahead of Time: You can make the meatballs and gravy ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This is a great option for busy weeknights.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover **Swedish Meatballs** (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to use glass containers, as they keep the food fresher for longer.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs and gravy. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw the meatballs and gravy in the refrigerator overnight. Then, transfer them to a saucepan and heat over medium heat until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as creamy. Adding a splash of broth while reheating can help retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey! I would recommend using a higher fat percentage ground turkey (85/15) to ensure the meatballs don’t dry out. You might also need to adjust the seasonings slightly, as ground turkey has a milder flavor than ground beef.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also substitute the all-purpose flour in the gravy with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch.

Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?

Yes, mushrooms would be a delicious addition to the gravy! Simply sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the flour. They add a lovely earthy flavor to the dish.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the meatballs as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the gravy over the meatballs and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the gravy may not be as thick and creamy. You may need to simmer it for a longer time to thicken it up. Using evaporated milk can also work in a pinch, but it will slightly alter the flavor.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy this **Swedish Meatballs recipe** as much as my family and I do! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes for a classic meal or as sliders for a party appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. And remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Adjust the seasonings to your liking, add your favorite vegetables to the gravy, and have fun with it. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other Scandinavian dishes, like Swedish pancakes or pickled herring. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!