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+ servings

Swedish Meatballs

Elaine Gordon
So, you’re ready to dive into the world of Swedish meatballs? Fantastic choice! These little flavor bombs aren’t just about themselves; they play incredibly well with a range of sides. Serve them with creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and lingonberry sauce for that classic touch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Swedish
Servings 5
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

  • 300 g / 10 oz ground beef
  • 300 g / 10 oz ground pork or substitute with additional beef
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • 2 slices white sandwich bread crusts removed and chopped into small cubes
  • 1 small onion any variety, such as brown, white, or yellow
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp allspice powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional, but it adds a rich depth

For the Gravy:

  • 2 cups beef broth or low-sodium stock you can substitute chicken broth
  • 40 g / 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or thickened cream
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard optional, but it adds a subtle tang

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

  • Start by finely chopping your onion. You want it small enough to blend into the meat mixture without overwhelming any bites. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the chopped onion, bread cubes, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and all your spices. Mix thoroughly using your hands. If you can handle it, dive in for the best mix!

Step 2: Roll into Balls

  • Now, create your meatballs. Aim for a size that can be eaten in one bite. Don’t stress over perfection; they will cook evenly regardless. Typically, 1.5 inches in diameter works well. Place them on a plate as you go.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. Be sure not to overcrowd! You want to sear them on all sides until golden brown. This should take around 6–8 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

  • In the same skillet, you’ll use the leftover drippings to create a rich gravy. Add butter and allow it to melt, then sprinkle in the flour. Mix until it forms a paste—this is called a roux. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once combined and thickened, add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Let it simmer for a few minutes until creamy and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

  • Return the meatballs to the skillet, allowing them to simmer in the gravy for about 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once done, serve hot with your chosen sides and a generous spoonful of lingonberry sauce.

Notes

Here are some tried-and-true tips to elevate your Swedish meatballs:
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly grated nutmeg and allspice make a huge difference in flavor. If you can find whole spices, grind them just before using.
Don’t Overmix: When combining your meatball ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs.
Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a big batch, keep your meatballs warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
Taste for Seasoning: Before you roll all your meatballs, cook a small test meatball in a skillet. This way, you can adjust the seasoning if needed.
Experiment with Gravy: Swap out beef broth for chicken broth for a lighter taste. Adding a splash of soy sauce is another way to deepen the flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 30gFat: 25gFiber: 1g
Keyword Swedish Meatballs
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