Introduction

This Swedish Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food dish, delivering tender meatballs in a rich, creamy gravy that’s perfect over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. For another comforting meatball variation, try the Chicken Ricotta Meatballs With Spinach Alfredo Sauce Recipe. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that brings cozy warmth to any dinner table.

Ingredients

These savory Swedish meatballs combine tender ground meats with warm spices, creating the ultimate comfort food dish that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream

Timing

Context: This Swedish Meatballs recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it the ultimate comfort food dish you can get on the table quickly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Combine ground beef and pork with finely minced onion, breadcrumbs, egg, and warm spices like allspice and nutmeg. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Add a splash of milk to the mixture to keep the meatballs moist and tender during cooking.

Step 2 — Form the Meatballs

Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the mixture, then roll into 1-inch balls with damp hands to prevent sticking. Consistent sizing ensures even cooking.

Place formed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for browning.

Step 3 — Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet with butter or oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown meatballs on all sides until golden—about 2–3 minutes per side.

Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the meatballs instead of searing them. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.

Step 4 — Make the Creamy Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for 1 minute until lightly golden, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Slowly pour in beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps, then add a touch of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce for depth.

Step 5 — Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Return all meatballs to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.

Cover and cook for 10–15 minutes, until meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 6 — Finish with Cream and Seasoning

Stir in heavy cream or sour cream to create a rich, velvety sauce. Heat through gently—do not boil—to prevent curdling.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. For extra freshness, stir in a handful of chopped parsley just before serving.

Step 7 — Serve and Enjoy

Serve these Swedish meatballs hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with lingonberry jam on the side.

Garnish with additional parsley and a final grind of black pepper for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or chicken — Lighter protein with a mild flavor that still absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Plant-based ground meat — A vegan-friendly swap that mimics the texture of traditional meatballs.
• Almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs — Perfect binders for a gluten-free version without sacrificing texture.
• Coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk — Creamy dairy-free alternatives for the sauce that add a subtle nutty note.
• Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice — Low-carb bases that let the Swedish meatballs recipe shine as the star.
• Low-sodium broth and reduced-salt soy sauce — Cuts down on sodium while maintaining the savory, umami depth.
• Greek yogurt instead of sour cream — Adds tang and creaminess with more protein and less fat.
• Baked instead of pan-fried — Reduces added oil while still achieving a golden-brown exterior.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these Swedish meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Pair with a side of tart lingonberry jam and crisp pickled cucumbers to balance the rich, savory gravy.
• For a complete Nordic meal, accompany with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
• This Swedish Meatballs recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potluck occasions where comfort food is celebrated.
• Plate the meatballs in a shallow bowl to showcase the creamy gravy, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color.
• Transform leftovers into an open-faced sandwich the next day, topping a slice of rye bread with meatballs and gravy.

This Swedish Meatballs recipe truly is the ultimate comfort food dish, versatile enough for both casual weeknights and special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overworking the meat mixture, which makes the meatballs tough. Fix: Gently combine ingredients until just incorporated for a tender texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the panade (bread and milk mixture), leading to dry meatballs. Fix: Always soak breadcrumbs in milk to add moisture and bind the mixture.
• Mistake: Frying meatballs in a cold pan, causing them to stick and steam. Fix: Heat your pan with oil until shimmering before adding meatballs for a proper sear.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan, which lowers the temperature and steams the meatballs. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure each meatball gets a beautiful, browned crust.
• Mistake: Using only beef, which can lack the traditional flavor complexity. Fix: Use a 50/50 blend of ground beef and pork for authentic, rich flavor.
• Mistake: Adding raw onions to the mixture, creating a harsh flavor and uneven texture. Fix: Sauté onions until soft and translucent before mixing them in.
• Mistake: Deglazing the pan with just water or stock, missing flavor depth. Fix: Use beef broth and a splash of heavy cream to create a rich, velvety sauce.
• Mistake: Not tasting and seasoning the sauce properly before serving. Fix: Always season the gravy with salt, pepper, and a pinch of allspice to taste.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months for the best quality.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened.

Properly storing this Swedish Meatballs recipe ensures you can enjoy this ultimate comfort food dish anytime a craving strikes.

Conclusion

This Swedish Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food dish, delivering rich flavor and satisfying texture. For more comforting meatball variations, try Creamy Italian Meatball Soup: Hearty Bowl of Comfort or Easy Creamy Meatball Soup with Vegetables Recipe for Comforting Flavor. Give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments!

Swedish Meatballs (Svenska Kottbullar)

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Classic Swedish meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices, soaked bread, and served with a creamy sour cream gravy. This ultimate comfort food dish is perfect for a hearty meal.

• Author: Dorothy Miler
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: Swedish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a small bowl, soak bread crumbs in milk for 10 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine soaked bread crumbs, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, ground beef, and ground pork. Mix well.
4. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake meatballs in the preheated oven until browned and cooked through, about 20 minutes.
6. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.
7. Gradually whisk in beef broth and bring to a simmer until thickened.
8. Stir in sour cream and heat through without boiling.
9. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
10. Serve meatballs with creamy sauce over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Notes

For best flavor, use a mix of ground beef and pork. The sour cream gravy can be adjusted for thickness by adding more broth or sour cream. Serve with lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

FAQs

Can I make this Swedish Meatballs recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving to maintain their comforting texture.