The Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe

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When I set out to create the perfect Swedish meatballs, I knew I wanted to recreate the cozy comfort of my grandmother’s kitchen. The smell of creamy sauce mingling with tender, savory meat always takes me back to childhood dinners. As I rolled each little meatball by hand, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of nostalgia, imagining the smiles this dish would bring.

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I’ve tested this recipe countless times to make sure the balance of flavors is just right. The hint of allspice and nutmeg tucked into the meatballs gives them that classic Swedish warmth. And the silky gravy? I could practically drink it by the spoonful, it’s so good. Every time I serve these, the plates come back clean.

Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a special holiday table, these Swedish meatballs have become one of my most cherished recipes. They bring people together and make any meal feel a little more special.

Why You’ll Love This Swedish Meatballs Recipe

This recipe delivers perfectly tender, flavorful meatballs wrapped in a luscious creamy gravy. You’ll love how easy it is to make from scratch and how much better it tastes than any store-bought version. The combination of beef and pork keeps the meatballs juicy, while the spices and fresh parsley give them depth and freshness. Plus, you can serve them with mashed potatoes, noodles, or even rice for a versatile and comforting meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Ground beef and pork give the meatballs a perfect balance of flavor and moisture. Bread crumbs help bind everything together and keep them tender. Milk softens the breadcrumbs, ensuring a light texture. Egg acts as the glue that holds the meatballs together. Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the mix. Allspice and nutmeg are the heart of Swedish meatballs, bringing that unmistakable Nordic warmth. Fresh parsley brightens the flavor beautifully. Butter is essential for cooking the meatballs and creating the base of the creamy gravy. Flour thickens the sauce to just the right consistency. Beef broth brings a rich savory note to the gravy. Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and comforting.

How to Make The Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak until soft. Add ground beef, ground pork, egg, grated onion, allspice, nutmeg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about one inch in diameter.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning them so they brown evenly on all sides. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate while you prepare the gravy.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt more butter if needed, then whisk in flour. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream and let the sauce simmer until thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer them gently in the gravy for a few minutes to heat through. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

You can easily adapt these Swedish meatballs to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Try swapping out the beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. If you want to keep it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for the gravy. Adding a pinch of garlic powder or finely minced garlic to the meat mixture can give the meatballs a little more depth. For a tangier sauce, stir in a spoonful of Dijon mustard or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Swedish meatballs shine alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, with the luscious gravy soaking into every bite. I also love serving them with lingonberry jam on the side — its sweet-tart flavor is the perfect complement. A crisp green salad or some steamed green beans round out the plate beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with my Easy Creamy Polenta with Shrimp Recipe for a delightful twist.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The meatballs also freeze very well — just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy. You can also reheat them in the microwave, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

How do I keep The Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe from falling apart?

Make sure not to skip the breadcrumbs and egg, which act as binders, and don’t overmix the meat mixture.

Can I make The Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape and cook the meatballs in advance, then reheat them in the gravy when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in The Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich.

Can I bake The Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe instead of frying?

Absolutely. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.

What’s the best side dish for The Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe?

Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles are classic choices, but rice, polenta, or even crusty bread work wonderfully too.

Related Recipes You’ll Like

If you loved these Swedish meatballs, you should definitely check out my Hawaiian BBQ Chicken for a sweet and savory dinner twist, or my Irresistible Peanut Butter Truffles Recipe if you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth. And don’t miss the comforting Creamy Garlic Butter Lobster Tails when you’re in the mood for something decadent.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to save this recipe for later by pinning it to your Pinterest board. Sharing it with friends and family on social media or through email is a great way to spread the love. Every time you make these Swedish meatballs, you’ll be reminded of just how easy and comforting a homemade meal can be. Let others enjoy that same magic by sharing it today!

Yield: 4–6 servings

The Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe

The Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe

This perfect Swedish meatballs recipe features tender, juicy meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices like allspice and nutmeg, then simmered in a silky, creamy gravy. Served with mashed potatoes or noodles, this comforting dinner brings classic Nordic flavors to your table and is ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ pound ground beef
  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • ¼ teaspoon allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, soak bread crumbs in milk until soft.
  2. Add beef, pork, egg, grated onion, allspice, nutmeg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
  3. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in skillet and cook meatballs in batches until browned. Transfer to a plate.
  5. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter if needed, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute.
  6. Gradually whisk in beef broth, then stir in heavy cream. Simmer until thickened.
  7. Return meatballs to skillet, simmer a few minutes to heat through.
  8. Serve hot with your choice of side.

Notes

For best results, don’t overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Lingonberry jam makes a wonderful traditional accompaniment.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 424Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 144mgSodium: 559mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 25g

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