Irresistible Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe

Swedish meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, conjuring dreams of cozy evenings around a dinner table, where every bite is like a warm hug from grandma. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender meatballs swimming in a rich gravy, with hints of nutmeg and allspice dancing on your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the air, making it nearly impossible to resist. Just one whiff can transport you to a quaint Scandinavian kitchen, where laughter mingles with the sizzling sounds of cooking.

Speaking of memories, I remember the first time I made Swedish meatballs. It was a chilly winter evening, and I had invited friends over for a dinner party. I was determined to impress them with my culinary skills (or at least not burn the house down). As I stirred the mixture, visions of everyone raving about my cooking danced in my head. Spoiler alert: they did rave—mostly about how they couldn’t stop eating these little balls of joy! Now, whenever there’s a gathering or even just a Netflix binge session, Swedish meatballs are on the menu—because who doesn’t want to feel like they’re enveloped in the warmth of friendship and comfort?

Ingredients for Swedish meatballs

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: I recommend using medium ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness.
• Ground Pork: Adding ground pork gives these meatballs a wonderfully rich flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs to help bind your meat mixture while keeping it tender.
• Onion: Finely chopped onion adds moisture and sweetness to each bite.
• Egg: One large egg acts as a binder and helps hold everything together.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg brings out that classic Swedish flavor we all love.

For the Sauce:

• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium beef broth for a deeper flavor profile without too much salt.
• Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tanginess to the sauce—absolutely essential!
• All-Purpose Flour: To thicken your sauce just right; no one wants runny gravy here!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Swedish meatballs

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Add breadcrumbs, minced onion, egg, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix unless you want tough meatballs.

Step 2: Form Meatballs

Use your hands (wet them if needed) to form small balls about the size of golf balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step is essential; otherwise, you might end up with one giant meatball!

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your meatballs in batches (don’t crowd them!) and brown on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. You want that beautiful golden color that screams “delicious!”

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Once browned, remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, whisk together flour and beef broth until smooth. Bring it to a simmer before adding sour cream while stirring constantly until thickened.

Step 5: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Let them simmer together for about 10 minutes so they soak up all that goodness.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer these delightful morsels onto plates or serve them family-style directly from the pan. Drizzle with extra sauce if desired—and don’t forget some fresh parsley on top for presentation!

Serve these scrumptious Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly tender Swedish meatballs, start by mixing your ingredients in a bowl. Shape them into balls and sear in a hot skillet. While they cook, prepare your creamy sauce for the ultimate flavor explosion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Swedish meatballs! Swap out ground beef for turkey or add some grated cheese for an extra flavor kick. Experiment with herbs like dill or parsley to make this dish uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep them moist.

Sometimes, I whip up these Swedish meatballs when I need a pick-me-up—or when my friends insist on dinner at my place. Their smiles say it all!

FAQs :

What are Swedish meatballs made of?

Swedish meatballs primarily consist of ground beef and ground pork, mixed with breadcrumbs soaked in milk. This mixture creates a tender texture. Common seasonings include onion, salt, pepper, and allspice or nutmeg. After forming the meatballs, they are usually pan-fried until golden brown and then simmered in a creamy gravy made from butter, flour, beef broth, and heavy cream. This combination results in a rich flavor that perfectly complements the meat.

How do you serve Swedish meatballs?

You can serve Swedish meatballs in various ways. Traditionally, they are enjoyed with mashed potatoes or boiled potatoes, drizzled with rich gravy. Lingonberry sauce is often served on the side to balance the savory flavors. For a more modern twist, consider serving them over pasta or alongside roasted vegetables. You can also use them as appetizers at parties, skewered on toothpicks for easy eating.

Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, preparing Swedish meatballs ahead of time is a great idea for meal planning. You can make the meatball mixture and shape them in advance, then refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to cook. If frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Additionally, you can prepare the gravy ahead as well; simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve. This method ensures flavors meld together beautifully while saving you time.

Are Swedish meatballs healthy?

Swedish meatballs can be part of a balanced diet if enjoyed in moderation. While they contain protein from the meat and some essential nutrients from added ingredients like onions and spices, they can be high in calories and fat due to their creamy gravy. To make a healthier version, consider using leaner meats or replacing heavy cream with lighter alternatives. Serving them alongside vegetables can further enhance their nutritional value.

Conclusion for Swedish meatballs :

In conclusion, Swedish meatballs offer a delightful culinary experience with their unique blend of flavors and textures. By using ground beef and pork alongside aromatic spices, these savory bites become irresistible when paired with creamy gravy. Whether you choose to serve them traditionally with mashed potatoes or explore modern variations like pasta dishes, they are sure to please any palate. Preparing them ahead of time allows for convenient meal options without sacrificing taste. Embrace this classic dish as a comforting favorite in your home cooking repertoire!

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Swedish Meatballs

• Author: Camiliya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Swedish

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Description

Warm up your evenings with these delicious Swedish meatballs, perfectly seasoned and enveloped in a creamy gravy that guarantees comfort and satisfaction at every gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb medium ground beef
• 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp allspice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
2. Wet your hands slightly and form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for about 5–7 minutes until golden brown on all sides.
4. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, whisk together flour and beef broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Stir in sour cream until thickened.
6. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with sauce. Simmer for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve warm over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Add grated cheese or fresh herbs like dill to enhance flavor in the meatball mixture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to three days.