Aah, Swedish meatballs! Just thinking about them brings a smile to my face. This dish has been a cherished family favorite for years, and it holds a special place in my heart (and stomach) largely due to my grandma’s recipe. I remember the aroma wafting through the house as she simmered these little bites of heaven in a creamy gravy. It was like a warm hug in a bowl!
There’s something incredibly comforting about Swedish meatballs, don’t you think? They’re savory, slightly spiced, and perfect with a side of mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce. Not to mention, they’re versatile—serving them as an appetizer or a main dish makes them a hit at any gathering, from cozy family dinners to holiday parties!
What’s in Swedish Meatballs?
Ground Beef: A classic choice that adds a hearty, meaty flavor. I usually opt for a blend of beef and pork for extra juiciness.
Breadcrumbs: They act as a binder and keep the meatballs moist. I like to use fresh breadcrumbs, but store-bought works too if you’re short on time.
Onion: Sautéed to sweet perfection, it brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the mix.
Milk: Helps keep the meatballs tender and adds richness. Whole milk is my go-to, but any milk will do.
Egg: A binding agent that helps hold the meatballs together.
Spices (Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg, Allspice): The spices are key! Nutmeg and allspice give these meatballs that signature taste we all adore.
Butter: For frying the meatballs to golden perfection.
Broth and Cream: These two make up the dreamy gravy that you’ll definitely want to pour over every meatball.
Is Swedish Meatballs Good for You?
Okay, let’s talk health! While these meatballs are certainly delicious, they should definitely be enjoyed in moderation.
Ground Beef: A good source of protein, but you might want to choose lean options to keep it on the healthier side.
Breadcrumbs: If you opt for whole-wheat breadcrumbs, you get a boost of fiber—an added bonus!
Butter and Cream: These add a lot of richness, but they also bring extra calories. A little goes a long way, especially in the sauce!
All in all, I’d say Swedish meatballs can be part of a balanced diet, especially if you pair them with some greens or a light salad!
Ingredients List
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon allspice
– 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
(Serves 4-6)
How to Make Swedish Meatballs?
1. In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes), then set aside to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, sautéed onion, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix with your hands until fully combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-2 inches in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and heat over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides (about 7-10 minutes).
5. Once all meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
6. For the gravy, in the same skillet, add the beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, and let it simmer until thickened (about 5 minutes). You can adjust the seasonings if needed.
8. Add the meatballs back into the gravy, letting everything warm through for a few more minutes.
9. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, noodles, or with a side of lingonberry sauce.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Now here’s the fun part! You can easily customize this recipe. Want to make them a little healthier? Try using turkey or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
I love to serve them with mashed potatoes (with a bit of gravy on top, of course), but you can also pair them with spätzle, egg noodles, or even pour them over a fresh salad for a lighter meal. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley or dill before serving for a pop of color!
If you do try these Swedish meatballs—and I really hope you do—please drop me a comment or send me a message! I’d love to hear how they turned out for you. Happy cooking!