If you’re craving a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and classic European charm to your table, this Swedish Meatball Recipe is an absolute must-try. Juicy, tender meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, delicately spiced with fragrant allspice and nutmeg, then bathed in a luxurious creamy sauce—it’s a combination that delivers deep, satisfying flavors with every bite. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy solo meal, this recipe captures the essence of traditional Swedish cooking while being accessible and straightforward enough to become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this Swedish Meatball Recipe uses pantry staples and fresh elements that come together beautifully. Each item plays an important role, from adding moisture and binding the meatballs to creating that smooth, rich sauce that complements every morsel perfectly.
- Ground beef and pork: Combining these meats balances flavor and tenderness for perfect meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs and milk: Soaked together, they keep the meatballs soft and tender inside.
- Grated onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Ground allspice and nutmeg: Essential Swedish spices that provide warmth and character.
- Salt and black pepper: Simply season everything to enhance natural flavors.
- Butter: Used for frying meatballs and making the sauce, creating richness and a golden crust.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent for the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Beef broth: Forms the savory base of the luscious sauce.
- Heavy cream: Brings that signature velvety smoothness to the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard: Add tang and umami for a perfectly balanced flavor.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by mixing the breadcrumbs with milk in a small bowl, allowing them to soak for about five minutes until soft and spongey. This step is crucial as it makes the meatballs moist and tender rather than dense. Next, combine the ground beef, ground pork, the soaked breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Gently mix everything until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat to keep your meatballs nice and tender.
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Form the mixture into about 1-inch meatballs—keeping them uniform in size helps with even cooking. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook them, turning frequently, until they’re golden brown on all sides and cooked through, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside so we can move on to the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet (no need to wash!), melt butter and whisk in the flour to create a roux. Let it cook for one to two minutes until it turns a delicate golden color—this step is essential for flavor and thickening without any raw flour taste. Gradually add beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Allow the sauce to gently thicken for 5 to 7 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce, giving them a good stir to coat every piece. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes—this final step warms the meatballs through one last time and lets them soak up all those wonderful sauce flavors. Now your Swedish Meatball Recipe is ready to delight!
How to Serve Swedish Meatball Recipe
Garnishes
What really gives this dish that authentic touch is a simple garnish. Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness. If you want a traditional finish, serve with a dollop of tart lingonberry jam on the side—its sweet and slightly tangy notes pair beautifully with the creamy meatballs and sauce.
Side Dishes
Swedish meatballs traditionally shine when served over creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up all that luscious sauce effortlessly. Alternatively, egg noodles or steamed rice work wonderfully if you want a change. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can add some refreshing texture and lighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining or a cozy dinner twist, stack meatballs on skewers and drizzle the sauce over them for a fun appetizer style. You can also stuff meatballs into sliders topped with a touch of sauce and pickled cucumbers for an irresistibly tasty sandwich variation. Don’t be afraid to get creative with plating; this recipe adapts well to any style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, you can store any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping them together helps the flavors meld even more, so it’s a perfect ready-made dinner for the next day.
Freezing
This Swedish Meatball Recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange cooked and cooled meatballs on a baking sheet without touching each other and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and keep for up to three months. Freeze the sauce separately if possible for best texture.
Reheating
Thaw frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight when possible. Reheat gently in the sauce over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve tenderness and keep the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use just beef or just pork instead of mixing both?
Absolutely! While mixing beef and pork gives a perfect balance of flavor and texture, using only beef or only pork works too. Just expect a slightly different taste and texture – beef tends to be leaner and pork a bit fattier and sweeter.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Swedish Meatball Recipe?
Definitely, though it won’t be the traditional version. Many use lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based meat substitutes combined with similar spices and breadcrumbs to recreate the flavors and bite of classic meatballs in a vegetarian-friendly way.
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as some brands include malt vinegar or other gluten-containing ingredients.
What’s the secret to keeping meatballs tender and juicy?
Soaking breadcrumbs in milk is key as it adds moisture inside the meatballs. Also, avoid overmixing the meat mixture, which can make meatballs dense and tough. Finally, cooking with gentle heat and not rushing will lock in juiciness.
How long do Swedish meatballs last once cooked?
When stored properly in the fridge, cooked Swedish meatballs last 3 to 4 days. Make sure they’re in a sealed container to keep them fresh and prevent them from absorbing other fridge odors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so deeply satisfying about making and eating this Swedish Meatball Recipe that it becomes an instant comfort favorite. It’s like a warm embrace on a plate, with layers of flavor and creamy indulgence that bring people together. Give it a try on your next cooking day—you might just find a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Swedish Meatball Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This classic Swedish Meatball recipe features tender meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with allspice and nutmeg, then pan-fried to golden perfection. They’re served in a rich and creamy sauce made with beef broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard, perfect for pairing with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a comforting and authentic meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the breadcrumb mixture: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs are softened, which will help keep the meatballs moist.
- Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are well combined, taking care not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the meatballs: Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them, turning frequently, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes lightly golden, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer to thicken. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Continue to simmer the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine meatballs with sauce: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce and simmer together for 5 minutes until the meatballs are warmed through and have absorbed some of the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Optionally, include lingonberry jam on the side for a traditional touch.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the ground beef and pork with all ground turkey or chicken.
- Prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the sauce before serving for a convenient meal.
