Name: Swedish Meatballs Recipe: Hearty and Creamy
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: Meatballs:; 1/2 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 small onion (chopped); 1 large egg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; Gravy:; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: Parsley (lingonberry jam); Suggested Pairings: Mashed potatoes (red wine)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Swedish Meatballs are a classic, comforting dish, perfect for cozy dinners, holiday gatherings, or satisfying comfort meals. These tender, savory meatballs, smothered in a rich, creamy gravy, deliver warm, nostalgic flavors in every bite. Presented in a white ceramic dish, drizzled with velvety sauce and garnished with chopped parsley or a dollop of lingonberry jam, these Swedish Meatballs offer a cozy, inviting aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, and ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings Scandinavian warmth and robust taste to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup whole milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)

For the Gravy:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups beef or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste

Serving (optional):

Optional: Chopped parsley, lingonberry jam
Suggested Accompaniments: Mashed potatoes, egg noodles
Suggested Pairings: Red wine, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic dish
Suggested Equipment: Large mixing bowl, large skillet, whisk, measuring cups/spoons, spatula

Step-by-Step Process

Prepare Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk; let soak 5 minutes. Add ground beef, pork, onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently until combined. Taste a small pinch of the mixture (raw meat is safe in small amounts for tasting) and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt or allspice for a balanced flavor. Form into 20–24 small meatballs (about 1 inch each).
Cook Meatballs: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides, about 6–8 minutes per batch. Remove to a plate (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).
Make Gravy: In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in broth, stirring until smooth. Add heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce; simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper.
Combine: Return meatballs to the skillet, coating them in gravy. Simmer 5–7 minutes until meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).
Serve: Transfer to a white ceramic dish, drizzle with gravy, and garnish with parsley or lingonberry jam. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, red wine, or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Swedish Meatballs

Soak breadcrumbs in milk to keep meatballs tender and moist.
Taste the meat mixture before forming meatballs to balance savory and warm spice flavors, as spices vary.
Brown meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
Use a mix of beef and pork for authentic flavor; leaner meats may dry out.
Use a white ceramic dish for a cozy presentation, highlighting the creamy gravy and vibrant garnishes.
Make ahead: Form meatballs and refrigerate up to 24 hours; prepare gravy just before serving.
Whisk gravy constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
Enhance aesthetic: Present in a white ceramic dish with parsley or lingonberry jam for a warm, inviting look.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Swedish Meatballs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour; ensure broth is gluten-free.
Vegan Swedish Meatballs: Replace meat with plant-based ground meat, milk with plant-based milk, and cream with coconut cream; use vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Spicy Swedish Meatballs: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper to the meat mixture or gravy.
Turkey Swedish Meatballs: Use ground turkey instead of beef and pork for a lighter option.
Creamy Mushroom Meatballs: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the gravy with the broth.
Herbed Swedish Meatballs: Mix 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley into the meat mixture.
Low-Sodium Swedish Meatballs: Use low-sodium broth and reduce salt to 1/4 tsp.
Cheesy Swedish Meatballs: Stir 1/4 cup grated Parmesan into the gravy.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to loosen gravy.
Freeze meatballs and gravy separately for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Serve hot for the best flavor; avoid keeping at room temperature for over 2 hours due to the meat and dairy.
Use leftovers in sandwiches or over rice for a quick meal.
Pair with mashed potatoes or noodles to complement the rich, creamy flavor.
Presented in a white ceramic dish with vibrant garnishes for a cozy, inviting charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (5–6 meatballs with gravy each):

Calories: 480 kcal
Total Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 26g
Vitamin A: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
Calcium: 10% Daily Value
Iron: 15% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by brand. High in fat and sodium; try the low-sodium version. Pair with veggies for balance.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatballs recipe offers a hearty, creamy dish, perfect for any occasion, transforming simple ingredients into a Scandinavian classic. Its straightforward preparation and cozy presentation make it a favorite. The tender meatballs and rich gravy delight every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its warm, versatile appeal.