If you’ve ever craved a dish that wraps you in cozy, comforting goodness from the very first bite, you’re in for a treat with this classic Swedish Meatballs Recipe. Tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce strike all the right notes to satisfy any appetite. Whether you want to impress friends or just treat yourself to a soul-soothing meal, this recipe delivers authentic flavors with straightforward steps that bring a little Swedish magic into your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Swedish Meatballs Recipe focuses on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create those signature tender meatballs and rich sauce. Each component plays an important role, from adding texture and spice to balancing creamy and savory flavors that make the dish irresistible.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base providing juicy, flavorful meatballs.
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs: Adds lightness and helps keep the meatballs tender.
- 1 tablespoon parsley (chopped): Brings a fresh herbal note that brightens up the mix.
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice: Offers a warm, aromatic depth typical in Swedish cuisine.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, sweet spice that enhances the sauce and meatballs.
- ¼ cup onion (finely chopped): Provides moisture and a mild savory flavor boost.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle garlicky background without overpowering.
- â…› teaspoon pepper: Offers just enough spice to balance flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the meatballs and sauce.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meat mixture together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the meatballs to a golden-brown perfection.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Works with olive oil to create a rich browning base in the pan.
- 4 tablespoons butter: For a luscious, velvety sauce finish.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Creates the roux that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups beef broth: Provides savory richness to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky, indulgent, and comforting.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle umami kick; soy sauce plus vinegar works as a great alternative.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings brightness and slight tang to balance creaminess.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For final seasoning adjustments that perfect the dish.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Meatball Ingredients
Start by gently mixing ground beef with panko bread crumbs, chopped parsley, allspice, nutmeg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and the egg. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, so your meatballs stay tender and juicy. This step sets the foundation for those perfect, melt-in-your-mouth meatballs.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs—either 12 large or 20 smaller ones work well. Keeping them consistent in size ensures even cooking and that satisfying, golden crust all around. This step is fun and gives you a chance to get hands-on with the recipe.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook them for about 7–8 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly. The beautiful crust that forms here adds texture and depth of flavor. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm while you prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking until golden brown for 2–3 minutes. Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth and creamy. Add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, then simmer until the sauce thickens slightly. This part transforms simple ingredients into a rich, silky sauce that’s truly the star of the Swedish Meatballs Recipe.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your liking. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer gently for 1–2 minutes to soak up all the delicious flavors and warm through. Your Swedish meatballs are now ready to serve with all that luscious gravy.
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top not only adds a pop of vibrant green color but also a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the sauce beautifully. This finishing touch elevates the dish visually and enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
Swedish meatballs shine brightest when served with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy steamed rice. These sides soak up the sauce perfectly, making every forkful decadently satisfying. A simple green vegetable or crisp salad adds balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, pile the meatballs and sauce over a warm bed of buttered egg noodles with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Hosting a casual get-together? Serve the meatballs as appetizer-sized bites on toothpicks with a drizzle of sauce or mustard on the side for dipping. The versatility of this recipe lets you get creative with presentation while keeping all the comforting flavors intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the meatballs in their sauce prevents them from drying out and helps the flavors meld over time.
Freezing
You can freeze Swedish meatballs either cooked or uncooked. For the freshest taste, flash freeze meatballs on a baking sheet, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, and store the sauce separately in a freezer container. Frozen cooked meatballs and sauce last up to 3 months, ready to be thawed and reheated whenever you need a hearty meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm throughout. This slow reheating helps keep the meatballs tender and the sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving for too long, which can dry out the meatballs or cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use a mix of beef and pork in this Swedish Meatballs Recipe?
Absolutely! Mixing beef and pork adds extra flavor and juiciness. Many traditional recipes blend the two meats in equal parts to enhance the texture and taste of the meatballs without sacrificing authenticity.
Is there a vegetarian version of Swedish meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute meat with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushrooms combined with binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and eggs or flax eggs. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and sauce ingredients accordingly to keep that classic Swedish flavor.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If panko isn’t available, regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even oats can work. Just be mindful that panko tends to give a lighter texture, so alternatives might result in slightly denser meatballs.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap out heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk, and use dairy-free butter substitutes. The sauce will still be rich and flavorful, keeping the essence of the Swedish Meatballs Recipe intact.
What’s the best way to reheat Swedish meatballs without drying them out?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth or water to keep the sauce loose and the meatballs moist. Cooking over low heat while stirring occasionally ensures everything warms evenly without drying out.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a good Swedish Meatballs Recipe to turn any day into a special occasion. This dish combines simple ingredients, heartwarming flavors, and straightforward steps that make it a beloved classic in any kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these meatballs bring a little bit of joy, nostalgia, and a whole lot of yum. So, grab your skillet, and dive into making this cozy, creamy, delicious meal—you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Chicken Scampi with Garlic, White Wine, and Parsley Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
A classic Swedish Meatballs recipe featuring tender, flavorful beef meatballs simmered in a creamy, savory sauce made with beef broth, heavy cream, and warming spices. This comforting dish is perfect served over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a delicious, hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes.
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
For Cooking Meatballs
- 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 + a dash of vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: 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 to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 12 large or 20 smaller uniform-sized meatballs. Consistent size ensures even cooking throughout.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 7–8 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until the roux is golden brown and fragrant. Gradually whisk in the beef broth to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, then simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot over cooked noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or rice. Spoon extra sauce on top and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- For a soy sauce and vinegar alternative to Worcestershire sauce, use 1 tablespoon soy sauce plus a dash of vinegar to maintain the tangy flavor.
- Keeping the meatballs uniform in size helps ensure even cooking and prevents some from drying out.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- Serve with lingonberry sauce on the side for an authentic Swedish touch.
