Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something about Swedish meatballs that makes them so irresistible. The combination of ground beef, herbs, and spices creates a deeply flavorful base, while the creamy gravy brings everything together in a rich and comforting way. The meatballs are perfectly seasoned, moist, and tender, and they pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. This dish is also versatile—serve it with lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish touch, or enjoy it on its own. Plus, it’s a relatively easy recipe to follow, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- ¼ cup flat leaf parsley, minced
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 small yellow onion, grated
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the Cream Gravy:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Serving (optional):
- Mashed potatoes
- Cooked egg noodles
- Lingonberry jam
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, grated onion, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic. Mix well.
- Add the panko breadcrumbs and eggs to the mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently with tongs. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
For the Cream Gravy:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1–2 minutes, or until the mixture turns a light golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the beef stock, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the salt, black pepper, lemon juice, allspice, and nutmeg to the gravy. Stir to combine.
- Lower the heat and add the heavy cream. Stir until the gravy is smooth and creamy.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy and simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the gravy.
For Serving:
Serve the Swedish meatballs hot with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Optionally, add a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side for an authentic Swedish experience.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
- Pork or turkey meatballs: While beef is traditional, you can use a mix of pork and beef for a slightly different flavor or ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Add herbs: Try incorporating dried thyme or rosemary into the meatball mixture for a deeper flavor profile.
- Vegetarian version: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream or coconut milk for a vegan alternative.
- Spicy Swedish meatballs: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a spicy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the meatballs and gravy in a pan over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Simply form the meatballs and store them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them.
Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?
Yes! To freeze, cook the meatballs and allow them to cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with the gravy.
Can I make the cream gravy without flour?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of the gravy by using cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Use 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with a little cold beef stock to thicken the gravy.
Can I make Swedish meatballs without cream?
If you want a lighter gravy, you can use half-and-half or even milk in place of the heavy cream. It will be less rich, but still delicious.
What’s the best way to serve Swedish meatballs?
Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with mashed potatoes or cooked egg noodles, along with a side of lingonberry jam. You can also enjoy them with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, you can add heat by including cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the gravy.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
The key to keeping meatballs intact is not to overmix the meat mixture and to handle the meatballs gently. Using the right ratio of breadcrumbs and eggs will also help bind the meatballs together.
Can I serve Swedish meatballs without gravy?
While the creamy gravy is a key part of this dish, you can skip it if you prefer a lighter option. The meatballs are still flavorful on their own, especially with some lingonberry jam on the side.
How long do Swedish meatballs last in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep them in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Conclusion
These Swedish meatballs are a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will love. With their tender texture, savory meatballs, and rich, creamy gravy, they’re perfect for a cozy dinner. Whether served with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or lingonberry jam, this recipe brings a little taste of Sweden right into your kitchen.
Print
Swedish Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Swedish Meatballs, or Köttbullar, are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender meatballs in a creamy, savory gravy. The combination of spices, herbs, and ground beef creates a rich flavor, perfect when paired with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or special gatherings, this dish brings the authentic taste of Sweden to your table.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 pound 80/20 ground beef
¼ cup flat leaf parsley, minced
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 small yellow onion, grated
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
For the Cream Gravy:
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups beef stock
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup heavy cream
For Serving (optional):
Mashed potatoes
Cooked egg noodles
Lingonberry jam
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
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Combine ground beef, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, grated onion, salt, black pepper, and garlic in a large bowl. Mix well.
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Add panko breadcrumbs and eggs to the mixture. Stir until fully combined.
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Roll mixture into 1 to 1 ½-inch meatballs.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Brown all sides. Remove and set aside.
For the Cream Gravy:
-
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
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Stir in flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
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Gradually whisk in beef stock, stirring until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
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Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, allspice, and nutmeg, stirring to combine.
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Lower heat and stir in heavy cream.
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Return meatballs to the skillet, simmer for 10 minutes to cook through and absorb the gravy.
For Serving:
Serve Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, and lingonberry jam if desired.
Notes
Make Ahead: Meatballs can be formed 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
Freezing: Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat before serving.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the gravy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
