Best Swedish Meatball Recipe: Creamy, Comforting Perfection!

Craving a taste of Sweden right in your own kitchen? Look no further! This Swedish meatball recipe is the real deal – tender, juicy meatballs bathed in a luscious, creamy gravy that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Forget the bland, store-bought versions; this recipe delivers authentic flavor and a comforting warmth that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to capture the essence of classic Swedish meatballs, incorporating time-tested techniques and high-quality ingredients. Get ready to experience Swedish culinary bliss!

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this Swedish meatball recipe stand out from the crowd? It’s all about the details! Here’s why this recipe is guaranteed to be a winner:

• The Meat Mixture: We use a blend of ground beef and ground pork for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The beef provides a rich, savory base, while the pork adds moisture and tenderness.
• The Breadcrumb Soak: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to the meat mixture ensures incredibly tender meatballs that practically melt in your mouth. This is a crucial step that you don’t want to skip!
• The Right Spices: A delicate blend of allspice, nutmeg, and white pepper provides the signature Swedish meatball flavor. These spices add warmth and complexity without overpowering the other ingredients.
• The Perfect Sear: Searing the meatballs in butter before simmering them in the gravy creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and locks in all the delicious juices.
• The Creamy Gravy: The gravy is the star of the show! Made with butter, flour, beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard, it’s rich, flavorful, and perfectly coats the meatballs. A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth and umami.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, for browning

For the Gravy:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soak up the milk.
2. Combine the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, allspice, nutmeg, white pepper, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4. Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides until they are nicely browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
5. Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
6. Add the Broth: Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the gravy to a simmer.
7. Simmer the Meatballs: Gently add the browned meatballs to the gravy. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy has thickened.
8. Finish the Gravy: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Swedish meatballs turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meat mixture can result in tough meatballs. Mix until just combined.
• Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your meatballs. Use fresh, high-quality ground beef and pork.
• Grate the Onion: Grating the onion instead of chopping it ensures that it blends seamlessly into the meat mixture and doesn’t create large chunks.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the meatballs, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the pan and prevent the meatballs from browning properly.
• Adjust the Gravy Consistency: If the gravy is too thick, add a little more beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to your liking.

Storage Instructions

To Store: Leftover Swedish meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To Reheat: Reheat the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.

To Freeze: Swedish meatballs can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the meatballs in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.

FAQ

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork?

A: While you can substitute ground turkey or chicken, the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Beef and pork provide the best flavor and moisture for authentic Swedish meatballs.

Q: Can I use dry breadcrumbs instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use dry breadcrumbs, but be sure to soak them in milk for at least 10 minutes to soften them. This will help ensure that the meatballs are tender.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can make the meatballs and gravy ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the meatballs and gravy together.

Q: What should I serve with Swedish meatballs?

A: Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Lingonberry jam is also a popular accompaniment.

Q: Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?

A: Yes! Sautéing sliced mushrooms in the skillet before making the gravy adds a delicious earthy flavor.

Conclusion

This Swedish meatball recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its tender meatballs and creamy, flavorful gravy, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow our easy-to-follow instructions, and get ready to experience the best Swedish meatballs you’ve ever tasted! Enjoy!