If you have ever craved comfort food that embraces you like a warm hug, this Swedish Meatballs Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Packed with juicy, tender meatballs made from a perfect blend of beef and pork, seasoned with fragrant spices like allspice and nutmeg, and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is pure cozy magic. It’s incredibly satisfying on both chilly weeknights and special occasions, offering a delightful balance between hearty and elegant. Plus, making Swedish meatballs at home allows you to customize every bite to your liking, transforming a classic into something uniquely yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the key to capturing the authentic taste and texture of this beloved dish. Each ingredient brings something special to the table, from the tender meat blend that forms the juicy meatballs to the spices that add warmth and depth, and the creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides rich flavor and moisture for the meatballs.
- 1 lb ground pork: Adds tenderness and a slight sweetness to balance the beef.
- 1 small sweet onion (finely chopped): Offers subtle sweetness and enhances the meatball’s texture.
- 1 garlic clove (minced): Infuses the mixture with an aromatic punch without overpowering.
- 2 egg yolks: Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs tender and intact.
- ½ cup panko crumbs: Light breadcrumbs that add structure while making the meatballs super soft.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- â…› teaspoon ground allspice: The signature warm spice that whispers Scandinavian tradition.
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a gentle nutty sweetness perfect for meatballs.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided): Used for searing meatballs to golden perfection.
- ¼ cup butter: Creates richness and a velvety base for the sauce.
- 3 cups beef broth: Forms the savory backbone of the creamy sauce.
- ¾ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and silkiness to the gravy.
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to luscious perfection.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Final seasoning to balance the creamy sauce beautifully.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef and pork in a large bowl. Add the finely chopped sweet onion and minced garlic to infuse flavor throughout the meat. Crack in the two egg yolks and sprinkle the panko crumbs on top for tenderness. Season with salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to create that quintessential Swedish flavor profile. Mix all the ingredients gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed — don’t overwork the meat or the meatballs risk becoming tough!
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Using your hands, form the meat mixture into evenly sized balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and carefully add the meatballs in batches without crowding the pan. Brown them on all sides until they get a beautiful golden crust, which usually takes around 5-7 minutes per batch. This step locks in flavor and gives the meatballs a lovely texture.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
After browning, remove the meatballs and set them aside. In the same pan, melt the butter and add the remaining olive oil. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook this roux for about 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color — this ensures your sauce won’t taste like raw flour. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, then stir in the sour cream for that signature creamy tang. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the browned meatballs to the pan with the sauce. Let them cook together gently for another 5 minutes so the meatballs absorb the sauce’s depth of flavor, and the sauce thickens around them in all their creamy glory. This final simmer is where the magic happens, making the dish irresistibly comforting and richly satisfying.
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness of the sauce perfectly. Some people love adding a few lingonberries or a dollop of lingonberry jam on the side — it’s traditional and offers a sweet-tart contrast that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Swedish meatballs are classic when paired with creamy mashed potatoes, letting the sauce soak into every fluffy bite. Egg noodles or buttered rice also work beautifully, soaking up the savory gravy. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts provide a crisp, fresh counterbalance to the hearty meatballs.
Creative Ways to Present
Take it up a notch by serving these meatballs on toasted rye bread alongside pickled cucumbers for a Swedish-inspired open-faced sandwich. Another fun idea is to use them as a filling for sliders, topping the meatballs with tangy sauce and crisp lettuce — perfect for party appetizers or casual gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Swedish meatballs keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container with plenty of sauce to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. When ready, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, cook the meatballs and sauce completely, then let them cool before storing in freezer-safe containers. They freeze perfectly for up to 3 months. When you want a cozy meal fast, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slowly on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat Swedish meatballs gently in a covered pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much during storage. Avoid high heat to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use only beef or only pork for these meatballs?
You can, but using a combination of beef and pork creates the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, making each bite more succulent and satisfying.
What can I substitute for panko crumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs work just fine. For a gluten-free option, crushed gluten-free crackers or oats can provide similar texture.
Is sour cream essential in the sauce?
Sour cream adds the signature creamy tang that makes this sauce unique, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche if you prefer a lighter or slightly different tang.
Can I make Swedish meatballs recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy sour cream alternative to keep the sauce creamy while accommodating dietary preferences.
How do I keep meatballs tender and moist?
Don’t overmix the meat, use a mix of meats, and include bread crumbs and egg yolks to bind without toughening. Browning gently and simmering in sauce also locks in moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatballs Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm invitation to sit down, savor every bite, and enjoy the simple pleasures of home cooking. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special treat for yourself, I promise these meatballs will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and delight in a meal that’s comfort food at its very finest.
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Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
Classic Swedish Meatballs recipe featuring a savory blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices and herbs, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served in a rich and creamy sour cream gravy. Perfect for a comforting meal that brings traditional Scandinavian flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 small sweet onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- â…› teaspoon ground allspice
- â…› teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Gravy
- ¼ cup butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork with the finely chopped sweet onion, minced garlic, egg yolks, panko crumbs, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form and Cook the Meatballs: Shape the meat mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked meatballs and set aside.
- Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns golden and bubbly, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps, then cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Sour Cream and Season: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sour cream until the gravy is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the gravy, gently stirring to coat them thoroughly. Warm through on low heat for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Serve Swedish meatballs over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with lingonberry jam for a traditional touch.
- Ensure meatballs are uniform in size to cook evenly.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate before cooking for convenience.
