Name: Easy Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 large egg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 tbsp butter (for frying); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Hey y’all! If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and totally crowd-pleasing, you’ve got to try these Easy Swedish Meatballs. With tender, juicy Meatballs nestled in a rich and creamy sauce, this classic dish is a hit for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a little Scandinavian flavor at home. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Ready in under 45 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Freezes well, so you can make them ahead and enjoy later.
Creamy, savory sauce is irresistible on noodles or mashed potatoes.
No fancy ingredients—everything you need is easy to find.
Kids and adults both love the tender, flavorful Meatballs.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for frying)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for sauce)
2 cups (480ml) beef broth
3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—don’t overwork it or your Meatballs could get tough.

Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (you should end up with about 24). Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes total. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Gently simmer in the sauce for 8–10 minutes, until cooked through and tender. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Notes

For ultra-tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
Make sure to brown the meatballs in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.

Variations

Turkey Swedish Meatballs: Use ground turkey instead of beef and pork for a lighter version.
Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs and flour for gluten-free alternatives.
Vegan: Use plant-based meat and non-dairy cream for a vegan spin.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Large skillet
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula or tongs

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Swedish meatballs (with sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They also freeze beautifully—just cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the sauce creamy.

Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations

Serve with buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice.
Cranberry or lingonberry jam adds a sweet-tart contrast.
A crisp cucumber salad balances out the rich flavors.

Pro Tips

Chill the meatball mixture for 15 minutes before shaping for easier rolling.
Wipe out excess fat but don’t clean the skillet after browning—those browned bits add incredible flavor to the sauce!
For perfectly round meatballs, use a small cookie scoop or wet your hands with water before rolling.

FAQ

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make and brown the meatballs in advance, then refrigerate and finish cooking in the sauce when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be a bit less rich and creamy.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–18 minutes, then add to the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Easy Swedish Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients