Are you in the mood for a comforting and satisfying meal? Our Easy Swedish Meatballs recipe is the perfect choice. This dish features tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich and creamy gravy. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a special meal for guests, these Swedish meatballs are sure to please.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
Add the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until well combined.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, frying until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Gravy:
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens.
Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve:
Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Tips:
Pairing: Serve your Easy Swedish Meatballs with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or fluffy rice. For a balanced meal, add a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans or carrots.
Garnishing: Garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also add a dollop of lingonberry sauce on the side for a touch of authentic Swedish flavor.
Serving Temperature: Swedish meatballs are best served hot. If you’re serving them at a gathering, keep them warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish.
Presentation: For a more elegant presentation, serve the meatballs on a platter with the gravy drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the dish is completely cooled before sealing the container.
Freezing: To freeze, place the meatballs and gravy in separate freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat meatballs and gravy on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking the meatballs as this can make them dry. Heat them gently until just warmed through.
Related Recipes:
- Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- Mastering Meatball Cooking Techniques
- What to Eat with Meatballs for Dinner?
FAQs:
Can I use just ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use just ground beef if you prefer. The combination of ground beef and ground pork adds extra flavor and tenderness, but using only ground beef will still yield delicious meatballs. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them before cooking. Arrange the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, you can bake or fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How can I make the gravy thicker or thinner?
If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. You can also add a slurry made of equal parts flour and water or cornstarch and water. For a thinner gravy, gradually add more beef broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the gravy?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the gravy may be less creamy and slightly thinner. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, though this will change the flavor of the gravy slightly.
Conclusion:
Enjoy the comforting taste of Easy Swedish Meatballs, perfect for any cozy dinner. With tender meatballs in a rich, creamy gravy, this classic recipe pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a meal the whole family will love!
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Swedish Meatballs
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Easy Swedish Meatballs recipe. Tender meatballs made from a savory blend of ground beef and pork are simmered in a rich, creamy gravy, making this dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Ideal with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice, this classic recipe is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Enjoy a warm, hearty meal that brings classic Swedish cuisine right to your table!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, frying until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- To make the gravy, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
To make ahead, prepare and freeze meatballs before cooking. Thaw and cook as needed.
Adjust seasoning to taste, and consider adding lingonberry sauce for an authentic touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
