Swedish Meatballs are a rich, creamy dish served with a savory sauce. These flavorful meatballs are traditionally paired with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce, creating a hearty and comforting meal.

“The only time to be positive you’re not getting a dinner is when you’re delivered a pizza.” — Andy Rooney

Swedish Meatballs, or Köttbullar, are a beloved dish in Swedish cuisine that have made their mark internationally, particularly in Swedish restaurants like IKEA. These tender, juicy meatballs are typically served with creamy gravy, lingonberry sauce, and mashed potatoes or egg noodles, creating a comforting and hearty meal. The combination of flavorful meatballs with the rich, velvety sauce makes for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

The beauty of Swedish Meatballs lies in their delicate balance of savory flavors, with the use of allspice and nutmeg giving them a subtle warmth and complexity. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make authentic Swedish Meatballs from scratch, complete with a delicious homemade creamy gravy.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
• 1/4 cup whole 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 (or a combination of beef and chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Lingonberry sauce (optional but traditional)
• Mashed potatoes or egg noodles

Instructions:

1. Make the Meatball Mixture:

• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let the mixture soak for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and soften.
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix everything together until fully incorporated. It’s important not to overwork the meat mixture, or the meatballs may become tough.
• With your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with about 20-25 meatballs, depending on the size.

2. Fry the Meatballs:

• Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter is melted and hot, carefully add the meatballs to the pan. You may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook the meatballs for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally to brown all sides evenly. The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside (an internal temperature of 160°F for beef/pork meatballs).
• Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside while you make the gravy.

3. Make the Gravy:

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously to form a roux (a smooth paste).
• Gradually add the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add the heavy cream, and stir to combine. If using soy sauce, add it now for extra flavor depth. Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper as needed.
• Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce, and let them simmer in the gravy for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

4. Serve:

• Serve the Swedish Meatballs hot with the creamy gravy poured over the top. Traditionally, they are served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. You can also serve them with a dollop of lingonberry sauce on the side, which provides a sweet and tart contrast to the richness of the meatballs and gravy.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

Nutritional Information (per serving):

(Assuming the recipe makes 4 servings)

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Tips for Perfect Swedish Meatballs:

1. Don’t Overmix the Meat: Be gentle when mixing the meatball ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until everything is combined.
2. Soak the Breadcrumbs: Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to the meatball mixture ensures the meatballs stay moist and tender.
3. Use a Combination of Beef and Pork: The combination of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Pork adds tenderness and richness, while beef provides a hearty flavor.
4. Brown the Meatballs in Batches: If you overcrowd the pan, the meatballs won’t brown properly. It’s better to cook them in batches, ensuring they are evenly browned on all sides.
5. Make the Gravy from Scratch: The creamy gravy made with the pan drippings adds rich flavor to the meatballs. Don’t skip this step—it’s essential to the dish.
6. Keep the Meatballs Warm: If you’re making a large batch or want to prepare the meatballs ahead of time, you can keep them warm in the gravy until ready to serve.
7. Lingonberry Sauce: Lingonberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to Swedish Meatballs. It adds a tart sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory meatballs and creamy gravy. If you can’t find it, cranberry sauce can serve as an alternative.

Why You’ll Love Swedish Meatballs:

• Comforting and Hearty: Swedish Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—rich, tender meatballs in a creamy gravy, perfect for a cozy dinner.
• Flavorful and Balanced: The use of spices like allspice and nutmeg gives the meatballs a warm, aromatic flavor, while the gravy adds richness and depth.
• Versatile: These meatballs can be served in various ways—on a bed of mashed potatoes, with egg noodles, or in a meatball sub. You can even enjoy them as an appetizer at a party.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Swedish Meatballs are perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or gatherings with friends. They’re loved by all ages and are guaranteed to please even picky eaters.

Variations:

• Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats.
• Add More Veggies: For an extra dose of veggies, add finely grated carrots or zucchini to the meatball mixture for added moisture and nutrition.
• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, you can swap the beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken. The meatballs will still be delicious but with a slightly lighter flavor.

Swedish Meatballs are a classic dish that combines rich flavors and a comforting texture. Whether you’re cooking them for a family dinner or serving them at a party, this recipe will surely be a hit. The combination of juicy meatballs with creamy gravy is a surefire way to bring a little taste of Sweden into your home. Enjoy!