What is comfort food? Swedish Meatballs. We’re going straight to the source of cozy, savory goodness. Think of it as a warm hug in supper, but way more delicious. I know, that’s a bold statement, but seriously, this is the truth.Swedish Meatball Recipe.is the one I always turn to, and believe me, I’ve tried them all! It’s a family heirloom, passed down from my Swedish grandmother, tweaked over the years to make it more beautiful. The sauce is creamy, the meatballs are perfectly seasoned and tender, and honestly? Is it pure magic? Forget about that bland, dry meatball experience you had at that one potluck—this is a whole other story.
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What is Swedish meatball recipe?
What are Swedish meatballs? It’s essentially a dish of small, seasoned meatballs simmered in creamy sauce. What is Swedish Meatballs? The meatballs themselves are usually a mix of ground beef and pork (or sometimes veal), breadcrumbs, and salt. What is onion, and spices? Think of it as Italy’s Polpette with a Scandinavian twist. What is the beauty in that creamy sauce, though – it’s rich, often flavored with beef broth, cream, and a little bit of cheese. What is Dijon mustard? The secret is the balance of flavors; it’s not overly rich, but definitely comforting. My grandmother always said, “The sauce is the soul of the meatball.” And she wasn’t wrong!Swedish Meatball Recipe.Should be savory, slightly tangy, and unbelievably delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this movie?Swedish Meatball Recipe.What are some of the best FLAVORS? We’re talking seriously savory, perfectly seasoned meatballs swimming in a dreamy, creamy sauce. What are some amazing hints of allspice and nutmeg? What are some of the best ‘wow’ factor games? What I love is how easy it is to make. Does it really take a ton of effort? I can whip up this on a busy weeknight without too much fuss. Is it budget friendly? Is ground meat a good source of protein? Can you serve these meatballs over rice? What are some good appetizers to serve with toothpicks? What I love about this particular version is the little bit of sweetness from the lingonberry. What is jam (which is totally optional, but oh-so Swedish! ), and the fact that the sauce is just *perfectly* thick and creamy without being too heavy. What makes Swedish Meatball so special?
How do I make Swedish meatballs?
Quick Overview
How do I make Swedish Meatballs? How do you cook meatballs? Let them simmer in a creamy sauce. When browning meatballs, the pan should not overcrowd—patience is key. What is the golden crust What is the sauce? It comes together in minutes, using the flavorful fond from browning the meatballs. Is it a one-pan wonder?
Ingredients
For the Meatballs: What
1 pound ground beef (I like 80/20 for flavor) (optional)
1/2 pound ground pork. 1 lb.
1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer panko for texture): 1 tablespoon (the size of a potato
1/2 cup milk (whole milk works best for richness)
1 large egg, lightly beaten.
1 small onion, finely grated (this is key for moisture and flavor!)
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1 teaspoon ground allspice.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger. 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning.
What is the cream sauce?
How many tablespoons of butter do you
What is all-purpose flour? 4 tablespoons.
3 cups beef broth (low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
1 cup heavy cream. 2 cups ice cream per
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard. 2 teaspoons.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. 1 teaspoon Worcester Sauce.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Add more salt.
What’s a Swedish version of lingonberry jam?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Get Ready!
What should I do to get everything prepped and ready to go? How do I measure and chop ingredients for this recipe? Get a large skillet ready, you’ll want something nice and deep. What’s worse than missing an ingredient halfway through a recipe?
Step 2: Meatball Mixture!
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated onion, salt and pepper. Set aside. What are the ingredients for minced garlic, allspice, nutmeg, ginger, salt, How do you make meatballs? I usually use my hands to gently combine everything until it’s just mixed. The grated onion is the key, it keeps the meatballs moist.
Step 3: Meatball Shaping
Now, roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. How do I get my kids involved? Keep your hands damp to prevent meat from sticking. If you want to brown meatballs, place them on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs!
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides until nicely golden brown. This step is crucial for developing flavor and creating that delicious fond for the sauce. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point, they’ll finish cooking in the middle of the oven. Set the browned meatballs aside on a plate.
Step 5: Cream Sauce Time
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. How do you thicken a sauce? Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Now stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using lingonberry jam, stir it in now for that authentic Swedish sweetness. How do you make sure the sauce is just right? Taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add a little extra Dijon for tang, or pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.
Step 6: Meatball Simmering
Gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce. Make sure the meatballs are mostly submerged in the sauce. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Add the chopped parsley and stir to combine. When meatballs are cooked through, the sauce has thickened to your liking. What is the key here is to let the meatballs simmer gently, allowing them to soak up all that delicious flavor. What makes them tender and delicious?
Step 7: Serve!
Serve Swedish Meatballs hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes or rice. What are some good ways to garnish a salad with fresh parsley?
5. What to Serve It With
What to Serve It With
Okay, so you’ve got these amazing Swedish Meatballs… what do you serve them with? Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
Over Egg Noodles: This is classic and oh-so-comforting. The creamy sauce clings to the noodles perfectly. I like to use wide egg noodles for maximum sauce coverage.
With Mashed Potatoes: Another fantastic option! Creamy mashed potatoes with those savory meatballs? Yes, please! You could even swirl in some roasted garlic or herbs into the potatoes for added flavor.
Served with Rice: Fluffy rice is also great for soaking up all that delicious sauce. A simple basmati or jasmine rice would work perfectly.
As an Appetizer: Serve them on their own with toothpicks for a party. This is always a hit! You can even make them smaller for easy snacking.
My family tradition is to always serve them with a side of pickled cucumbers and some crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce. It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures!
6. Top Tips for Perfecting Your Swedish Meatball Recipe
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Swedish Meatball Recipe
Want to take your Swedish Meatball game to the next level? Here are some of my top tips, learned from years of making this dish:
Don’t Overmix the Meat Mixture: I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing the meat mixture will result in tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until they’re just mixed.
Grate the Onion: Grating the onion instead of chopping it adds moisture and flavor to the meatballs without making them chunky.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the meatballs, work in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
Use a Roux for Thickening the Sauce: A roux (butter and flour cooked together) is the key to a smooth and creamy sauce. Make sure to cook the roux for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce: Simmering the meatballs in the sauce allows them to soak up all that delicious flavor and become incredibly tender.
Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, or lingonberry jam to your liking. One time I accidentally added too much salt and fixed it with a tiny splash of heavy cream. Worked like a charm!
7. Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing and Reheating Tips
So, you’ve made a batch of these delicious Swedish Meatballs… how do you store them and reheat them? Here are my best tips:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the meatballs at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate them as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours, or until they’re solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. This prevents them from sticking together when they freeze.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat the meatballs, you can microwave them, heat them in a skillet on the stovetop, or bake them in the oven. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I usually prefer to reheat them in a skillet with a little extra sauce, as this helps keep them moist. Also, you can add the glaze after you reheat or when you reheat. Both ways will work!
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
9. Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: My family’s most treasured Swedish Meatball recipe. It really is more than just a dish; it’s a little piece of my history, a taste of home, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I hope you give it a try and that it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine. I know this Swedish Meatball Recipe is going to be a winner in your home. Happy cooking, friends! And please, leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out! I love hearing about your variations and experiences!
Swedish Meatball Recipe
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 0.5 lb Ground pork
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 egg Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
Gravy
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Beef broth
- 1 cup Heavy cream
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet, brown the meatballs over medium heat. Transfer to a baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened.
- Pour gravy over meatballs. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
