Swedish Meatballs
Tender, spiced beef and pork meatballs simmered in a rich, savory cream gravy. This beloved comfort food classic is perfect over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- b.In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to form a paste (panade).
- c.Add the ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, beaten egg, allspice, nutmeg, 1 tsp of salt, and 0.5 tsp of black pepper to the bowl.
- d.Using your hands, gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
- e.Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. A small cookie scoop works well for this.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Brown the Meatballs
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- c.Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet and brown them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. The goal is to get a deep brown crust for flavor; they do not need to be cooked through.
- d.Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a clean plate and set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Create the Cream Gravy
- b.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 4 tbsp of butter to the same skillet. As it melts, use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan.
- c.Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth, lightly golden paste (roux).
- d.Slowly pour in the beef broth, about a cup at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once all the broth is incorporated, bring the mixture to a simmer.
- e.Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken slightly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Gently return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the gravy.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- d.Taste the gravy and season with the remaining 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp pepper, or more to your preference.
- e.Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most tender meatballs, grate the onion instead of chopping it. This distributes the flavor and moisture more evenly without creating large chunks.
- 2Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk first (creating a panade) is a key step for moist and tender meatballs.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the meatballs. This ensures they sear properly rather than steam, developing a deep, savory crust.
- 4Scraping the browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan when making the gravy is crucial for a rich, flavorful sauce.
- 5For a perfectly smooth gravy, pour the beef broth in slowly while whisking constantly.
- 6Serve traditionally with lingonberry jam for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory gravy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Meat Substitution
For a different flavor profile, you can use all ground beef, or a mix of beef, pork, and ground veal.
Dairy FreeDairy-Free
To make this dairy-free, use unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat), vegan butter, and full-fat coconut cream or a cashew cream substitute for the heavy cream.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the meatballs and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the roux for the gravy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of beef and pork provides a high-quality complete protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
Red meat is a primary source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plants. Iron is crucial for producing hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
Provides Essential B Vitamins
This dish is a good source of several B vitamins, particularly Vitamin B12, which is vital for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this recipe contains approximately 750-850 calories, not including sides like noodles or potatoes. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the meat.