Swedish Meatballs Recipe is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. These juicy meatballs, paired with a rich gravy sauce, make for an irresistible meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe yields 24 tender meatballs that everyone will love. The blend of flavors from ground beef and pork, combined with spices, creates a standout dish that warms the heart and satisfies the palate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This Swedish meatballs recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef and pork, along with spices like allspice and nutmeg, gives these meatballs a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish: Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting meal or as an appetizer at your next gathering.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With 8 servings per recipe, these meatballs are great for feeding a group or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
- Comfort Food Classic: The creamy gravy and tender meatballs embody what comfort food is all about, making them ideal for cozy nights in.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Swedish meatballs recipe, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Ensures you have enough space to combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Skillet or frying pan: Ideal for browning the meatballs evenly and developing delicious flavors before simmering them in gravy.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending the gravy ingredients smoothly without lumps.
Ingredients
Recipe for Swedish Meatballs. Juicy and tender meatballs with a rich gravy sauce. Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, pure comfort food. This recipe makes 24 meatballs.
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground beef (10%-15% fat)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion (grated on star side of box grater)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup panko crumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
For the Gravy
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (cooking oil), or as needed
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cups regular beef broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef and ground pork.
- Add the grated onion, minced garlic, egg, panko crumbs, whole milk, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat with olive oil.
- Using your hands or a scoop, form the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in size.
- Place the shaped meatballs carefully into the hot skillet.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
- Cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides; this should take about 6-8 minutes total.
- Remove them from the skillet once browned and set aside on a plate.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet used for browning, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour until smooth; cook for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually stir in beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add heavy whipping cream and Dijon mustard; mix well until heated through.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Gravy
- Return the browned meatballs back into the skillet with gravy.
- Simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
Serve these delicious Swedish meatballs hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for an unforgettable meal! Enjoy!
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Swedish meatballs are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Over Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect base for Swedish meatballs. The rich gravy from the meatballs complements the potatoes beautifully.
With Lingonberry Sauce
- A traditional Swedish pairing, lingonberry sauce adds a sweet and tart flavor that contrasts nicely with the savory meatballs.
On a Bed of Egg Noodles
- Serving Swedish meatballs on egg noodles creates a comforting and filling dish. The noodles soak up the delicious gravy, making every bite satisfying.
In a Sub Sandwich
- For a fun twist, place meatballs in a sub roll with some gravy and cheese. Bake it until the cheese melts for an indulgent sandwich option.
As Appetizers
- Roll smaller versions of the meatballs and serve them on toothpicks with toothsome dips. This makes for great party food or game-day snacks.
How to Perfect Swedish Meatballs Recipe
To elevate your Swedish meatballs to the next level, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality ground beef and pork will enhance the flavor and texture of your meatballs.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix your ingredients gently to keep the meatballs tender. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Chill Before Cooking: After forming your meatballs, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the flavor of your dish and add freshness to each bite.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your mixture before cooking. Adjust salt and pepper levels according to your preference for a well-seasoned meatball.
- Deglaze Your Pan: After browning the meatballs, deglaze the pan with broth or wine before making your gravy for added depth of flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Pairing side dishes with Swedish meatballs can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans roasted until caramelized provide great color and nutrition.
- Creamy Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with thinly sliced cucumbers in a yogurt dressing complements the richness of the meatballs.
- Buttery Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter adds sweetness and texture that pairs well with savory flavors.
- Traditional Rye Bread: Serve slices of hearty rye bread to soak up any leftover gravy from your plate while adding rustic charm.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity to balance out the richness of the meatball dish.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread not only tastes amazing but also helps scoop up every last bit of sauce from your plate.
- Pickled Beets: These add a delightful tangy contrast that enhances both flavor and presentation on your dining table.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make an excellent side that is always loved by everyone at dinner!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Swedish meatballs can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes is key to a delicious dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the meat: Overmixing can make your meatballs tough. Mix just until combined for tender results.
- Skipping the onion: Not using onion can lead to bland meatballs. Grate one small onion for enhanced flavor.
- Using low-fat meat: Low-fat options may dry out your meatballs. Opt for lean ground beef with 10-15% fat for juiciness.
- Ignoring seasoning: Failing to season properly can result in tasteless meatballs. Don’t forget salt, pepper, and spices like allspice and nutmeg.
- Cooking at too high a temperature: High heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Cook on medium heat for even browning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooked Swedish meatballs in an airtight container.
- They will last in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Place cooled meatballs in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat meatballs on a baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Simmer in gravy over medium heat until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Swedish Meatballs Recipe that might help you.
What is the best way to serve Swedish meatballs?
Swedish meatballs are often served with mashed potatoes or noodles, topped with rich gravy for a comforting meal.
Can I use other meats for this Swedish Meatballs Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that they may result in different flavors and textures.
How do I know when my Swedish meatballs are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour as substitutes, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatballs Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that offers comfort and warmth. With its versatility, you can easily customize it by adding herbs or adjusting spices according to your taste. Try making it today!
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Indulge in the comforting flavors of our Swedish Meatballs Recipe, a classic dish that is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. These tender, juicy meatballs, made with a delightful blend of ground beef and pork, are enveloped in a creamy, rich gravy that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe yields 24 flavorful meatballs that are both easy to prepare and hard to resist. In just 40 minutes, you can create a meal that embodies the essence of cozy comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion (grated)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup panko crumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, panko crumbs, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until well blended.
- Preheat a skillet over medium heat and shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Brown meatballs in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes on all sides; then remove them from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, prepare the gravy by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a roux. Gradually add beef broth and cream while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer in gravy for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 3 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
