Swedish Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Swedish meatballs are incredibly flavorful and versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender meatballs with a velvety, rich gravy creates a comforting and satisfying dish. The addition of lingonberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast that elevates the overall taste experience. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even on their own as an appetizer. With both a simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, Swedish meatballs are a must-try!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon 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
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs:
   Using your hands, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray as you go.
3. Fry the Meatballs:
   In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Make the Gravy:
   In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux. Gradually add the beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps, and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Meatballs and Gravy:
   Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to soak up the delicious sauce.
6. Serve:
   Serve the Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, and top with lingonberry sauce for a traditional touch.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: For a leaner option, you can substitute the beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken. The flavor will be slightly lighter but still delicious.
• Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs: Use plant-based meat alternatives or a mixture of mashed potatoes and vegetables to create a vegetarian version of Swedish meatballs.
• Spicy Meatballs: Add some chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Swedish meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs and gravy in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the stovetop method will help keep the meatballs from becoming too dry. For longer storage, Swedish meatballs freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, cook them in a skillet or heat them in the oven until fully warmed.

FAQs

Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and the gravy ahead of time. Store the cooked meatballs in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.

Can I make the gravy without cream?

Yes, you can make the gravy without heavy cream by using whole milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk. The gravy will be slightly lighter but still delicious.

Can I use a meatball maker or scoop to shape the meatballs?

Yes, using a meatball maker or a cookie scoop can help ensure the meatballs are uniform in size and make the process quicker. Just make sure to shape them gently to avoid compacting the meat.

Is lingonberry sauce necessary for Swedish meatballs?

While lingonberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment for Swedish meatballs, you can skip it if you don’t have any. A dollop of cranberry sauce or a tart fruit chutney can be a good substitute.

Can I cook Swedish meatballs in the oven instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. Just be sure to brown them in a pan before adding the gravy to get that crispy exterior.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

While homemade meatballs have a special flavor, you can use pre-made meatballs from the store in a pinch. Simply heat them in the gravy to soak up the flavors.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?

The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut one open to check that the center is no longer pink.

Can I make Swedish meatballs without pork?

Yes, you can make Swedish meatballs using only ground beef or another ground meat like turkey. Pork is traditional for flavor and moisture, but it’s not essential.

How can I make the meatballs more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add finely chopped garlic, a bit of mustard, or even a pinch of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture. These ingredients will give your meatballs a deeper flavor.

Can I serve Swedish meatballs with something other than potatoes?

Yes! Swedish meatballs are versatile and can be served with rice, egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables for a delicious alternative to mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Swedish meatballs are the epitome of comfort food, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy gravy, and the sweet tang of lingonberry sauce makes for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or serving them at a party, these Swedish meatballs are sure to become a new favorite. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy them anytime you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish.

Swedish Meatballs

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Swedish meatballs, or *köttbullar*, are tender meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, served with creamy gravy and typically accompanied by lingonberry sauce for a sweet and savory balance.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4-6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying, Simmering
• Cuisine: Swedish

Ingredients

1. 1 lb ground beef
   
   1/2 lb ground pork
   
   1 small onion, finely chopped
   
   1/4 cup breadcrumbs
   
   1/4 cup milk
   
   1 large egg
   
   1/2 teaspoon salt
   
   1/4 teaspoon 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
   
   1/2 cup heavy cream
   
   1 teaspoon soy sauce
   
   Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.

1. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate or tray as you go.
2. Fry the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to form a roux. Gradually add the beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps, and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to soak up the delicious sauce.
5. Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, and top with lingonberry sauce for a traditional touch.

Notes

• Leftover Swedish meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, Swedish meatballs freeze well. Store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Lingonberry sauce is traditional but can be replaced with cranberry sauce or a tart fruit chutney.
• If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of frying them.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 meatball with gravy
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg