Name: Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp allspice; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 4 tbsp butter, divided; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Swedish Meatballs are a cozy, flavorful dish made with tender meatballs simmered in a creamy, savory gravy. I love how comforting and satisfying they are, especially when served over buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles. This dish brings rich, warm flavors to the table and is perfect for a hearty dinner any day of the week. Swedish Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, comforting, and full of flavor. The meatballs are juicy and perfectly spiced, and the creamy gravy brings everything together beautifully. It’s a crowd-pleaser that I can make quickly and enjoy with just about any side dish. Whether it’s for a quiet dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe always hits the spot.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
breadcrumbs
milk
onion, finely chopped
egg
salt
black pepper
allspice
nutmeg
butter
all-purpose flour
beef broth
heavy cream
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

I begin by soaking the breadcrumbs in milk until softened.
Then I mix in ground beef, onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg until just combined.
I form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter.
In a skillet, I melt butter over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides, then set them aside.
To make the gravy, I melt more butter in the same skillet and whisk in flour, cooking for about a minute.
I gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring constantly until smooth.
I add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
I return the meatballs to the skillet and let them simmer for 10–12 minutes until cooked through and the sauce thickens.
I garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal ready in under an hour.

Variations

I like to add garlic powder or onion powder to the meat mixture for an extra flavor boost.
Sometimes I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce.
I’ve also made this with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
A splash of soy sauce adds a touch of umami to the gravy when I want a deeper flavor.
I occasionally serve the meatballs over rice or roasted potatoes for a change from the usual mashed potatoes or noodles.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm the meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little beef broth or cream to loosen the gravy. They also reheat well in the microwave. For longer storage, I freeze the meatballs and sauce in separate containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What makes Swedish meatballs different from regular meatballs?

The warm spices like allspice and nutmeg, along with the creamy gravy, give them their signature flavor and set them apart from Italian-style meatballs.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, I bake them at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes until browned and cooked through, then finish them in the gravy.

How do I keep the meatballs tender?

I make sure not to overmix the meat mixture and keep the meatballs loosely packed. The soaked breadcrumbs and egg help with tenderness.

What should I serve with Swedish meatballs?

I typically serve them with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Steamed vegetables or lingonberry jam also pair well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the meatballs in advance and either refrigerate or freeze them. I reheat them gently in the gravy before serving.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatballs are a delicious and comforting meal I love coming back to. With their tender texture, flavorful seasoning, and creamy gravy, they bring warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. They’re easy to make, great for leftovers, and always a hit—no matter the occasion.

Swedish Meatballs