Swedish Meatball Recipe

Swedish Meatball Recipe brings together tender, juicy meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy gravy—perfect comfort food. With a prep time of just 25 minutes and a total time of about an hour and five minutes, this version offers classic Nordic flavors in an easy, weeknight-friendly format. You’ll love how the savory beef-pork blend, delicate spices, and creamy sauce come together over mashed potatoes or warm egg noodles. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish strikes the perfect balance of homestyle warmth and elegant flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Swedish Meatball Recipe

• Classic comfort: Hearty beef and pork with fragrant spices like nutmeg and allspice make these meatballs irresistible.
• Rich creamy sauce: A luscious sour cream–infused gravy creates that signature silky finish.
• Quick and easy: Minimal prep, simple steps, and just one skillet for cooking.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep and chill meatballs in advance or freeze leftovers for easy future meals.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¾ lb ground beef (80% lean)
• ½ lb ground pork

For the Sauce

• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 chicken bouillon cube (or beef bouillon)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or mustard powder)
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ cup sour cream (room temperature—full-fat preferred)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Swedish Meatballs

1. Sauté aromatics:
   Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium. Add onion and garlic; cook until tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and cool slightly.
2. Mix meatball base:
   In a mixing bowl, blend together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, cooled onion and garlic mixture, salt, oregano, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper. Add ground beef and pork; gently mix until just combined—avoid over-mixing to keep meatballs tender.
3. Form and chill:
   Roll mixture into 1½ inch meatballs (use a small scoop for uniform size). Arrange on a plate, cover, and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes (or overnight) to help meatballs hold their shape during browning.
4. Brown meatballs:
   Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high. Working in batches, brown meatballs about 1 minute per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
5. Create roux:
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Scrape up meatball bits with a silicone spatula, then stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes until a light golden roux forms.
6. Build sauce:
   Gradually whisk in beef broth mixture (broth, bouillon, Worcestershire, Dijon, parsley). Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer until slightly thickened.
7. Incorporate sour cream:
   In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sauce with the sour cream. Then stir this mixture back into the skillet over low heat, ensuring creamy consistency without curdling.
8. Finish cooking:
   Carefully return the seared meatballs to the pan, gently coating them with the creamy sauce. Simmer, partially covered, for 10–15 minutes or until cooked through.
9. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice—pour over extra gravy.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t over-mix the meat mixture—this keeps meatballs tender.
• Chill before browning to help meatballs hold their shape.
• Use a whisk when incorporating the broth to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
• Warm leftovers gently using a double boiler or over low heat to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
• Adjust thickness: simmer longer for thicker gravy, add broth if too thick.

Substitutions And Variations

• Meat alternatives: mix in veal, turkey, or chicken for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-free: substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use GF flour.
• Dairy-free: replace sour cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based butter.
• Spice variations: add a pinch of smoked paprika, chopped parsley, or fresh dill.
• Vegetarian: use plant-based crumbles and veggie broth; sauté mushrooms for extra umami.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store cooled meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm gently in a double-boiler or over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling.

Nutritional Information (per meatball with sauce)

Nutrition values are approximate and based on a batch of 33 meatballs.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over garlic mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or steamed rice.
• Pair with roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans.
• Add a crisp kale salad or spiced Brussels sprouts for freshness.
• For guests, offer homemade lingonberry jam or cranberry compote on the side—Nordic-style!

Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Meatballs

Q: Is it possible to bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake them. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C), place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, and cook for 15–20 minutes, turning once until fully browned and cooked through.

Q: Why chill the meatballs before cooking?
A: Chilling firms the meat, helping meatballs hold their shape during browning. It also helps ingredients meld, giving even flavor throughout.

Q: My sauce broke—what happened?
A: High heat or adding cold sour cream directly can cause separation. Always temper sour cream with a little sauce first and keep heat low when blending it in. Simmer gently in the final steps.

Q: Can I use heavy cream instead of sour cream?
A: Yes! Heavy cream is a great substitute and keeps the sauce silky. Use the same quantity—½ cup—and whisk into the sauce like the sour cream.

Q: How do I make gluten-free Swedish meatballs?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs (or crushed GF crackers) and replace regular flour in the roux with a GF blend or cornstarch. Otherwise, follow the recipe as usual.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatball Recipe brings a heartwarming blend of savory spices and creamy sauce to your dinner table. Thank you so much for trying this dish—I absolutely love the tender, flavorful meatballs served over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttery noodles. It’s simple enough for busy nights yet special enough when you want to impress. I hope the ease and rich taste of this meal brighten your kitchen and dining room. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community. Wishing you joy, warmth, and delicious moments—enjoy!