Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Swedish Meatballs recipe brings the iconic flavors of Swedish cuisine right to your table. Tender meatballs made from ground beef are seasoned with allspice and nutmeg, then smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. The dish is traditionally served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, offering a delightful balance of savory and sweet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• ¾ lb. ground beef (80% lean)

• ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg, whisked

• ⅓ cup milk

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon oregano

• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon pepper

• 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided

For the Gravy:

• 3 tablespoon butter

• 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

   • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, whisked egg, milk, salt, oregano, allspice, nutmeg, and pepper.

   • Mix until well combined.

   • Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes per batch.

   • Remove meatballs and set aside.

3. Make the Gravy:

   • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.

   • Slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

   • Stir in soy sauce, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard.

   • Simmer until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine:

   • Return meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the gravy.

   • Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

   • Optional: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lingonberry jam on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 6 servings

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for some heat.

• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the gravy for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs in the gravy for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.

FAQs

How can I make Swedish meatballs gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be used, but the meatballs may be slightly less moist.

What can I serve with Swedish meatballs besides mashed potatoes?

Egg noodles, rice, or roasted vegetables are excellent alternatives.

Is lingonberry jam essential?

While traditional, lingonberry jam is optional; cranberry or raspberry jam can be used as substitutes.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?

Yes, bake at 400°F (205°C) for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.

How do I prevent meatballs from becoming tough?

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture and handle gently when forming balls.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate the meatballs up to a day before cooking.

How do I thicken the gravy?

Simmer the gravy longer to reduce and thicken, or add a slurry of flour and water.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, brown the meatballs first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the gravy ingredients and cook on low for 4–6 hours.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, freeze cooked meatballs with gravy in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatballs recipe is a perfect comfort food dish, combining juicy meatballs with a rich, creamy gravy. Whether served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table. The versatility of this dish allows for different variations, and it's easy to store or freeze for later enjoyment. Enjoy these delicious Swedish meatballs and savor the unique flavors of this classic dish!

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Swedish Meatballs Recipe

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Enjoy the comforting flavors of Swedish Meatballs, made with tender beef meatballs and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. Perfectly seasoned with allspice, nutmeg, and served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, this iconic dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Swedish
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

¾ lb. ground beef (80% lean)

½ cup yellow onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup panko breadcrumbs

¼ cup Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, whisked

⅓ cup milk

1 tsp salt

¼ tsp oregano

¼ tsp ground allspice

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp pepper

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

For the Gravy:

3 tbsp butter

3 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups beef broth

1 tsp soy sauce

½ cup heavy cream

1 tsp Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Prepare the Meatballs:
  In a large bowl, combine ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, whisked egg, milk, salt, oregano, allspice, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs.

• Cook the Meatballs:
  Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7–10 minutes per batch. Remove and set aside.

• Make the Gravy:
  In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden. Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in soy sauce, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for about 5 minutes until the gravy thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

• Combine:
  Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them with the gravy. Simmer for another 5 minutes until heated through.

• Serve:
  Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or roasted vegetables. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lingonberry jam on the side.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.

• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based ground meat alternatives.

• You can bake the meatballs at 400°F (205°C) for 15–20 minutes instead of frying.