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Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Rebecca
These Swedish meatballs are the epitome of comfort food, with juicy meatballs, warm spices, and a rich, creamy gravy. Served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, this dish brings the taste of Sweden right into your kitchen. The best part? It’s easy to make and sure to impress!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Scandinavian, Swedish
Servings 4
Calories 75 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/3 cup sour cream full-fat preferred
  • 1 tablespoon parsley chopped

Instructions
 

  • Start by combining the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and milk in a large bowl. Stir until the mix feels evenly moist. Then, mix in the onions, garlic, and seasonings like nutmeg, allspice, and oregano to enhance the overall flavor. Finally, add the ground beef and pork, and gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
  • Roll the mixture into 1.5-inch balls, using damp hands or a cookie scoop for uniformity. Place the meatballs on a plate and refrigerate them for 15 minutes. This quick chill does wonders for helping the meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
  • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the meatballs in batches, letting each side brown evenly. This step not only locks in the juices but also creates flavorful bits in the pan, which we’ll use for the sauce. Once browned, set the meatballs aside on a plate.
  • Melt butter in the same skillet, scraping up those browned bits for extra flavor. Add flour and whisk until golden, forming a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and chicken bouillon, then simmer until the sauce thickens slightly into a rich, golden gravy.
  • Temper the sour cream by stirring a little warm gravy into it, then whisk the mixture back into the skillet. This prevents curdling and ensures the sauce is silky smooth. Add the meatballs back into the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked. Sprinkle with parsley and serve!

Notes

  • Make-Ahead: Refrigerate uncooked meatballs for up to a day before cooking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
  • Freezing: Uncooked meatballs can be flash-frozen and stored for up to 3 months. Reheat cooked meatballs and sauce on the stove.
Keyword Swedish Meatballs Recipe