Easy and Delicious Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Hey there, food lovers! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving something comforting and hearty—Swedish Meatballs. These meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a creamy, savory gravy that’s irresistible.

The best part? They’re super easy to make and use simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes, or egg noodles, or just enjoying them on their own, these Swedish meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started!

What’s in These Swedish Meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are a classic dish that’s loved all over the world. They’re made with a mix of ground meats, breadcrumbs (or a low-carb alternative), and warm spices like nutmeg and allspice.

The meatballs are then cooked and served in a rich, creamy gravy that’s flavored with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sour cream. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Swedish Meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

1 pound ground beef (I use 80/20 for juiciness)
1/2 pound ground pork (you can use all beef if you prefer)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
1/4 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
1 small onion (finely chopped)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

For the Gravy:

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
2 cups beef broth (low-sodium is best)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Swedish Meatballs

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make the most delicious Swedish meatballs:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs—about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re browned and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it forms a paste (this is called a roux). Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir everything together and let the gravy simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine the Meatballs and Gravy

Return the meatballs to the skillet and stir them gently to coat them in the gravy. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley and serve them hot. They’re perfect over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Cooking Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 35 minutes

Serving

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, depending on how many meatballs you eat per person. It’s perfect as a main dish and pairs well with sides like steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish touch.

Calories

Here’s a rough estimate of the calories per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: About 450-500 calories per serving
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 10g (net carbs)

This dish is rich and satisfying, making it a great option for a comforting meal.

Tips and Tricks

Use a mix of meats: The combination of beef and pork gives these meatballs amazing flavor and texture. If you don’t have pork, you can use all beef or even ground turkey.
Make them ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. You can also freeze them raw or cooked for later use.
Adjust the spices: If you’re not a fan of nutmeg or allspice, you can reduce the amount or leave them out. The meatballs will still be delicious!
Double the gravy: If you love extra sauce, double the gravy ingredients. It’s so good, you’ll want to pour it over everything!

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Swedish Meatballs recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the creamy gravy is rich and satisfying. It’s a dish that’s easy to make but feels special enough for a cozy dinner or a holiday meal. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce new flavors to your family or friends if they’ve never tried Swedish meatballs before.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out! It’s a dish that’s sure to impress and become a regular in your meal rotation. Enjoy!