Few dishes capture the essence of cozy comfort food better than Swedish Meatballs. With tender, juicy meatballs and a creamy, savory sauce, this dish has become a worldwide favorite. Originally from Scandinavia, Swedish meatballs are rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
This recipe is designed for busy cooks who still want restaurant-quality flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, these perfect Swedish meatballs make a hearty family dinner, a comforting weekend meal, or a dish to impress guests.
Table of Contents
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Perfect Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, sautéed onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, and spices until combined.
- Shape into medium-sized balls and place on baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- For the sauce: melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add flour and whisk until golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in beef broth, followed by heavy cream. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper. Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love These perfect Swedish Meatballs
- Classic Flavor Warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice make these meatballs authentic.
- Creamy Sauce A luscious, savory gravy ties everything together.
- Quick & Easy Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly A dish both kids and adults love.
- Flexible Protein Works with pork, beef, or a mix of both.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 12-inch skillet For cooking the sauce and finishing the meatballs.
- Large mixing bowl To combine the meatball mixture.
- Baking sheet with parchment paper For roasting the meatballs evenly.
- Whisk Essential for the creamy sauce.
Ingredients for creamy meatball sauce
Meatballs
- ½ sweet onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 lbs ground beef
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp cardamom
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small skillet, sauté onion in olive oil until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, sautéed onion, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley, and spices until combined.
- Shape into medium-sized balls and place on baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Sauce
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk until golden brown.
- Slowly whisk in beef broth, followed by heavy cream.
- Stir in Worcestershire and Dijon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Benefits (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount | Why It’s Good |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal | A hearty and balanced main dish |
| Protein | 28 g | High-quality protein from pork/beef |
| Carbs | 12 g | Moderate carbs from breadcrumbs & sauce |
| Fat | 28 g | Creamy sauce + healthy fats from olive oil |
| Iron | Present | Essential mineral from red meat |
| Calcium | Moderate | From cream-based sauce |
Variations for Scandinavian comfort food
- Healthier Version Use ground turkey or chicken.
- Gluten-Free Substitute panko with almond flour.
- Lighter Sauce Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Flavor Add a splash of soy sauce for depth.
- Swedish Tradition Serve with lingonberry jam for authenticity.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over buttery mashed potatoes.
- Pair with buttered egg noodles or rice.
- Add roasted vegetables or steamed green beans for balance.
- Garnish with extra parsley or dill for freshness.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Add to sauce when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with extra broth or cream to refresh sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prep meatballs and sauce separately, then combine before serving.
FAQs: homemade Swedish recipe
Can I make Swedish meatballs without an oven?
Yes, you can pan-fry them until fully cooked, though baking is easier and cleaner.
What makes Swedish meatballs different from Italian meatballs?
Swedish versions use warm spices and are served in a creamy gravy instead of tomato sauce.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Perfect for meal prep or large gatherings.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer longer, or whisk in a slurry of flour and water.
What’s the best side dish for Swedish meatballs?
Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles are classic pairings.
Conclusion
These Perfect Swedish Meatballs are the definition of comfort food. Juicy, flavorful, and simmered in a rich, creamy gravy, they’re simple enough for weeknight cooking yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Serve them with potatoes, noodles, or rice for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
For more family-friendly dinners, check out our Cheesy Chicken Veggie Sheet Pan Dinner or Easy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon.
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