Swedish meatballs are like little bites of happiness, wrapped in creamy goodness and served with a side of nostalgia. Imagine a platter filled with tender, juicy meatballs swimming in a rich gravy that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. comforting potato soup pairing The aroma wafts through the air, reminiscent of cozy family dinners and holiday gatherings where laughter fills the room.

Every time I make these Swedish meatballs, I am transported back to my grandmotherβs kitchen. She would whip up a batch and serve them with lingonberry sauce, making it an unforgettable experience. festive cheese ball recipe Whether itβs a festive occasion or just a casual weeknight dinner, these delightful morsels promise an explosion of flavors that keep everyone coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Swedish meatballs are easy to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
- The flavor profile is a harmonious blend of savory and sweet, enticing your taste buds
- Visually, they are an inviting centerpiece that will impress your guests
- They are versatile enough to be served as appetizers or over pasta for a hearty meal
I remember serving these at a family gathering once; my cousin took one bite and declared them βlife-changing.β Talk about pressure to impress!
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for juiciness without excessive grease; it really makes a difference in texture.
- Ground Pork: A mix of pork adds flavor and moisture; itβs like having a party in your mouth.
- Breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs work best to hold everything together while keeping the meatballs tender.
- Onion: SautΓ©ed finely chopped onions add sweetness; they should smell amazing as they cook.
- Milk: Whole milk ensures richness; trust me, donβt skimp on this one!
- Eggs: They bind the meat mixture perfectly; use large eggs for the best results.
- Spices (Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg): A pinch of nutmeg elevates the flavor profile and gives that classic touch.
For the Gravy:
- Butter: This is essential for creating a luscious base for the gravy; it will make everything better. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.
- Flour: Use all-purpose flour to thicken the gravy beautifully without clumps.
- Beef Broth: A good quality broth enhances the flavor; donβt go for bland here!
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and tanginess to the gravyβan absolute must-have!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Letβs Make it together
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well mixed. Be gentle while mixing to avoid tough meatballs.
SautΓ© Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sautΓ© finely chopped onions in olive oil until they become translucent and aromatic. This step infuses sweetness into your meatballs.
Shape Meatballs: With wet hands, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking during cooking.
Cook Meatballs: In the same skillet used for onions, add butter and brown the meatballs on all sides over medium heat until golden brown. This should take about 10 minutes.
Create the Gravy: Remove cooked meatballs from skillet and set aside. In the same pan, whisk flour into remaining drippings until golden brown; gradually stir in beef broth while simmering until thickened.
Add Creaminess: Stir sour cream into gravy until fully blended; then return meatballs to skillet and coat thoroughly in that creamy goodness before serving warm.
These Swedish meatballs not only bring joy but also fill your home with irresistible aromas that could stop traffic! Enjoy every bite as you savor those rich flavors that remind us why food is such an important part of our lives. chocolate covered treats.
You Must Know
- Swedish meatballs are not just delicious; they create a cozy atmosphere
- Serve them with lingonberry sauce for a sweet-tart balance
- The delightful aroma while cooking will have everyone flocking to the kitchen
- Plus, they freeze well for easy meals later!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing your meat and spices, then form the meatballs before browning them in a skillet. This ensures even cooking and locks in those savory flavors before simmering in the sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap beef for ground turkey or add garlic and herbs for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different sauces, like a creamy mushroom sauce, to give your meatballs a unique twist. savory beef bites.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep them moist. For more inspiration, check out this orange custard squares recipe.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dried for a softer texture
- Add grated cheese to the mixture for extra richness
- Donβt overcrowd the pan while browning; this helps achieve that perfect golden crust without steaming them
The first time I made Swedish meatballs, my friends declared it βmeatball magic.β Their smiles while devouring them still warms my heart!
FAQ
Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day before and store them in the refrigerator.
What sauce goes best with Swedish meatballs?
A creamy gravy or rich brown sauce pairs perfectly with Swedish meatballs.
How do I avoid dry meatballs?
Make sure not to overcook them; use breadcrumbs and egg for moisture retention.

Swedish Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Swedish meatballs are a comforting classic, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. These tender, juicy meatballs are enveloped in a creamy gravy that brings warmth and nostalgia to every bite. Served with tangy lingonberry sauce, they promise an explosion of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sautΓ© onions until translucent.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brown meatballs in the same skillet for about 10 minutes until golden brown; set aside.
- For the gravy, whisk flour into the drippings in the skillet until golden brown. Gradually stir in beef broth and simmer until thickened.
- Stir in sour cream and return meatballs to coat before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (160g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing garlic or fresh herbs into the meatball mixture. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter option. Serve with creamy mushroom sauce for a twist on the classic.






