Okay, picture this: Is it a chilly evening? What would make it even better? A plate piled high with creamy Swedish meatballs. What should I do if I want to forget mac and cheese for a night? What is comfort food at its finest? Is it easier to whip up a dish than you might think? If you’re a fan of hearty, and flavorful meals that’s relatively easy to make, then this is the recipe for you. Swedish Meatballs Recipe is about to become your new best friend. My grandma used to make these every Christmas, and the smell alone brings back so many happy memories.

What are Swedish meatballs?

Swedish Meatballs, or Swedish sausageköttbullaras they’re called in Sweden, are essentially small, seasoned meatballs traditionally served in a frying pan. Think of them as the sophisticated cousin of your average meatball. Is it safe to swim in marinara sauce? Instead, they’re bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s both comforting and elegant. The meatballs themselves are usually made with a mix of ground beef and pork (sometimes veal). Breadcrumbs, and spices like allspice and nutmeg, which give them that characteristic warm, slightly spiced feel. What is Scandinavian food like? I promise you, once you try this, you won’t be able to get enough of it. My family’s version passed down from generations, a secret weapon for quick and delicious. What are the best week

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Where do I start? The combination of savory meatballs and creamy sauce is just…chef’s kiss*. It’s the perfect balance of richness and comfort. I could eat the sauce with a spoon (and sometimes I do, shhh!). What I love most about these is how easy they are to make. What can I do on a busy weeknight? Plus, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. What are some of the best things to have in your pantry? What are meatballs? What are some great side dishes to serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice, or even in a crusty bread roll? What is a good What are some good appetizers for parties? What are the best parties to have, they always disappear within minutes at my place. Is this the most amazing thing that ever happened to you?

How do I make Swedish meatballs?

Quick Overview

Alright, here’s the lowdown: We’re going to start by making the meatballs themselves. It’s all about getting the right blend of meat, breadcrumbs, and spices. Then, we’ll pan-fry them until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Next comes the star of the show – the creamy gravy! It’s a simple roux-based sauce elevated with beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard. The whole process is surprisingly straightforward, and I promise you’ll be rewarded with a dish that tastes like it took hours to make. And the best part? You can easily adjust the flavors to your liking. Want a little more spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a tangier sauce? Squeeze in some lemon juice. It’s your kitchen, your rules!

Ingredients

For Meatballs: What is
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
* 1/2 pound ground pork
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for a lighter texture) * 1/4 cup sour cream (for the taste)
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1 small onion, finely grated
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (don’t skip this, it’s key!)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Creamy Gravy: What is the cream
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups beef broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How do I follow step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

How do I get organized? While it’s not baking, a little preheating makes frying these so much better! I like to preheat my oven to 200°F (93°C). What is the best way to keep meatballs warm while you cook them in batches? Have a baking sheet ready and lined with parchment paper. This makes clean-up easy!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Set aside. Let this sit for a few minutes to soften the breadcrumbs. How do you keep meatballs moist? In another bowl, whisk together the egg, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and allspice. In a separate bowl add the flour, baking powder, sour cream, Is it better to grate an onion instead of chopping it? How do you distribute meatballs evenly? I learned this trick after years of making them.

Step 3: Combine

Add the meat to the bowl with the softened breadcrumbs. Gently mix in the egg mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs, and nobody wants that! I use my hands for this part because it’s simply easier to feel when everything is just combined. Use a light touch! Remember, you want to keep these tender.

Step 4: Roll the Meatballs

Using your hands, roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. How can I get my kids involved? How do I get my kids to help me in the kitchen? Place meatballs on a baking sheet. I always make a slightly larger batch of meatballs. Why? Why do I always snack on a couple during cooking?

Step 5: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer. Do you need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan? Cook meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until they’re browned on all sides. Is it cooked through? I like to use a meat thermometer to make sure they’re cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Transfer the cooked meatballs to the preheated oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining ingredients.

Step 6: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. What will thicken the gravy? Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. What are some of the best browned bits? Bring the gravy to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes or until it has thickened slightly. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. How do I make my own gravy?

Step 7: Combine Meatballs and Gravy

Add the cooked meatballs to the gravy and stir to coat. Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. When magic happens? The meatballs become even more tender and flavorful as they soak up the creamy gravy.

Step 8: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles or rice. I love serving these with lingonberry jam, which is a Swedish traditional. It adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the richness of the meatballs and gravy. Enjoy! What is the best way to serve a group of people and watch them devour them.?

What to Serve It With

What do you serve Swedish meatballs with? What are the best mashed potatoes? The creamy potatoes are the perfect base for the rich meatballs and gravy. Egg noodles are another great option. They soak up all that delicious sauce! If you’re looking for something lighter, try serving them over rice or quinoa. What are some good side dishes to serve with steamed green beans? What do you serve with mashed potatoes and asparagus? I like to make a quick cucumber salad.

How do I make Swedish meatballs?

What are some ways to take Swedish meatballs to the next level? What are some of the best tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?Don’t overmix the meat mixture. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
* Use a mix of ground beef and pork: This combination gives the meatballs the best flavor and texture.
* Grate the onion instead of chopping it: This helps to ensure that it’s evenly distributed throughout the meatballs and adds moisture.
* Don’t skip the allspice and nutmeg: These spices are what give Swedish meatballs their characteristic warm, slightly sweet flavor.
* Brown the meatballs in batches: Overcrowding the pan will result in steamed meatballs instead of browned meatballs.
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked through: The internal temperature should be 160°F (71°C).
* Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor.
* Make a double batch of gravy: Trust me, you’ll want extra!
* Add a splash of cream sherry to the gravy for an extra layer of flavor. I always do this when I have some on hand – it makes a huge difference!
* For extra depth, melt a little bacon fat along with the butter to cook the meatballs. Bacon makes everything better, right?
* Freeze leftover meatballs for a quick and easy meal. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop.
* Get the kids involved! Rolling the meatballs is a fun and easy way to get them helping in the kitchen.
* Lingonberry jam is the classic accompaniment to Swedish meatballs. You can find it at most IKEA stores or online.
* If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk. Just be aware that the gravy will be slightly thinner.
* If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your Swedish meatballs:
* Room Temperature: Let the meatballs cool completely before storing them. Don’t leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
* Refrigerator Storage: Store the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the meatballs, it’s best to wait to add the glaze until after they’ve been reheated. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or watery.
* Reheating: Reheat the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave. I prefer the saucepan method because it helps to maintain the creamy texture of the gravy. I always add a splash of beef broth when reheating to loosen up the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make the roux for the gravy. I’ve tested this with almond flour and it worked great too. Just watch the texture carefully.

Do I need to grate the onion? Can’t I just chop it?

While you can chop the onion, grating it is highly recommended. Grating the onion helps to release its moisture and flavor, which will result in more tender and flavorful meatballs. It also ensures that the onion is evenly distributed throughout the meat mixture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef and pork?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, but be aware that it will change the flavor and texture of the meatballs. Ground turkey is leaner than ground beef and pork, so the meatballs may be slightly drier. You may want to add a little extra milk or breadcrumbs to compensate.

How can I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the pan is hot before adding the meatballs. You can also use a non-stick skillet or add a little more butter or oil to the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk. Just be aware that the gravy will be slightly thinner. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the gravy to help thicken it.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! My family’s secret Swedish Meatballs Recipe, finally out in the open. I truly believe this will be a staple in your kitchen. The cozy flavors, the ease of preparation, and the sheer joy it brings make it a winner every time. If you loved this, you might also want to check out my recipe for creamy Tuscan chicken – another incredibly flavorful and comforting dish. Seriously, though, I can’t wait to hear how your Swedish meatballs turn out! Let me know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking, friends!