Name: Perfect Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 250g ground beef; 250g ground pork; 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup grated onion; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 egg; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Dijon mustard

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Perfect Swedish Meatballs are a beloved Scandinavian classic made from a tender mixture of beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices and served in a creamy, savory gravy. This cozy and satisfying dish is ideal for a hearty dinner, traditionally enjoyed with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or buttered noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The meatballs are soft, juicy, and spiced with allspice and nutmeg—key to the signature Swedish taste—while the rich cream sauce is silky and packed with depth. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly evening or an authentic dish to serve guests, these Swedish meatballs deliver elegance and homey comfort in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

250g ground beef
250g ground pork
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup grated onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 egg
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Cream Sauce:

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

directions

Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk and set aside for a few minutes.
Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, garlic, egg, soaked breadcrumbs, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape and Brown:
Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
Once browned, transfer them to a plate. They do not need to be fully cooked yet.
Prepare the Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden brown to make a roux.
Gradually add beef broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens.
Simmer the Meatballs:
Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 10–12 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the flavors have melded.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or traditional lingonberry jam.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 390 kcal per serving

Variations

Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Cheesy Twist: Add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to the meat mixture for extra richness.
Herb-Infused: Mix in chopped parsley or dill into the meatballs for a fresh note.
Creamy Mushroom Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and earthy flavor.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour substitutes like rice flour or cornstarch.

storage/reheating

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For freezing, allow meatballs to cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead. Store them separately or together and reheat before serving.

What makes Swedish meatballs different from other meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are smaller and spiced with allspice and nutmeg, giving them a warm, slightly sweet profile that’s distinct from Italian or American styles.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, bake them at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes until browned and cooked through.

What’s the best side dish for Swedish meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or lingonberry jam are classic accompaniments.

Can I use only beef or only pork?

Yes, but a mix provides the best balance of flavor and moisture. Using only beef may result in drier meatballs.

Is the cream sauce necessary?

It’s traditional and adds a rich finish, but the meatballs can also be enjoyed with other sauces or plain.

Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?

Yes, freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

How do I prevent meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure the mixture is not too wet and don’t over-handle when shaping. Letting them rest helps them hold their shape.

Is Dijon mustard required for the sauce?

It adds depth and tang, but you can substitute with a small amount of white wine vinegar or omit if necessary.

Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but add it at the end of cooking and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Conclusion

Perfect Swedish Meatballs are a timeless dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. With their tender texture, subtly spiced flavor, and creamy gravy, they’re ideal for both casual weeknights and special dinners. Whether served over traditional mashed potatoes or paired with noodles, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite.

Perfect Swedish Meatballs

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Classic Swedish meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices, and simmered in a creamy gravy—perfect over mashed potatoes or noodles for a comforting meal.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Swedish
Diet: Halal

Instructions

In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, pork, grated onion, garlic, egg, soaked breadcrumbs, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes until golden.
Gradually add beef broth, whisking to keep smooth. Stir in cream and Dijon mustard.
Simmer sauce until thickened, then return meatballs to the skillet.
Simmer meatballs in the sauce for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or noodles.