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Print / PDFSwedish Meatballs
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- Prep Time
- 15 mins
- Cook Time
- 25 mins
- resting
- 5 mins
- Total Time
- 45 mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (Tender and flavorful base.)
- 1/2 lb ground chicken (A lean substitute for pork.)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped) (Adds sweetness and depth.)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Binds the meatballs.)
- 1/4 cup milk (Keeps the meatballs moist.)
- 1 large egg (Helps bind the mixture.)
- 1/2 tsp salt (Enhances flavor.)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (Adds mild heat.)
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice (Gives a warm, aromatic flavor.)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (Adds a hint of warmth.)
- 2 tbsp butter (For rich flavor and sautéing.)
- 2 tbsp flour (Thickens the sauce.)
- 2 cups beef broth (Rich base for the sauce.)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (Adds creaminess and richness.)
Equipment
- 1 Skillet — For browning the meatballs and making the sauce.
- 1 Mixing bowl — For combining the meatball ingredients.
Method
- 1
In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk until softened. This will give your meatballs a lovely texture.
- 2
Add ground beef, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want tender meatballs!
- 3
Shape the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for even cooking.
- 4
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside. This step adds so much flavor!
- 5
In the same skillet, whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant.
- 6
Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. This will be the base of your delicious sauce.
- 7
Stir in heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens. It should be rich and creamy!
- 8
Return the meatballs to the sauce and heat through. Let them soak up all that flavor!
- 9
Serve hot with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes if desired. Enjoy your amazing Swedish meatballs!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
Why You’ll Love This swedish meatballs
- They’re a comforting classic that warms your heart.
- Perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices for a flavor explosion.
- Easy to make and great for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
- Versatile enough to serve with noodles, rice, or on their own.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create mouth-watering Swedish meatballs!

- 1 lb ground beef – tender and flavorful base
- 1/2 lb ground chicken – a lean substitute for pork
- 1 small onion (finely chopped) – adds sweetness and depth
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – binds the meatballs
- 1/4 cup milk – keeps the meatballs moist
- 1 egg – helps bind the mixture
- 1/2 tsp salt – enhances flavor
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – adds mild heat
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice – gives a warm, aromatic flavor
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg – adds a hint of warmth
- 2 tbsp butter – for rich flavor and sautéing
- 2 tbsp flour – thickens the sauce
- 2 cups beef broth – rich base for the sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – adds creaminess and richness
How to Make Swedish Meatballs
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful Swedish meatballs! The preparation time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is around 25 minutes, and you might want to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!

Step 1: Soak the Breadcrumbs
In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk until softened. This will give your meatballs a lovely texture.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Add ground beef, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want tender meatballs!
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into small meatballs. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter for even cooking.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside. This step adds so much flavor!
Step 5: Make the Roux
In the same skillet, whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes until it’s golden and fragrant.
Step 6: Add the Broth
Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. This will be the base of your delicious sauce.
Step 7: Stir in the Cream
Stir in heavy cream and simmer until the sauce thickens. It should be rich and creamy!
Step 8: Return the Meatballs
Return the meatballs to the sauce and heat through. Let them soak up all that flavor!
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes if desired. Enjoy your amazing Swedish meatballs!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Swedish |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 25 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Dietary | Contains meat |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes |
Pro Tips for Making swedish meatballs
- Use a mix of ground beef and ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk for a moist texture.
- Season the meat mixture well for maximum flavor.
- Brown the meatballs in batches for even cooking.
- Serve with a creamy gravy made from broth and sour cream.
How to Serve this swedish meatballs
- Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting classic.
- Pair with egg noodles tossed in butter and parsley for a delightful twist.
- Enjoy with a side of lingonberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Top with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve in a warm sub roll for a fun meatball sandwich option.
- Accompany with steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your Swedish meatballs later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow meatballs to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool meatballs completely before freezing.
- Place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- Label and date the bag; use within 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen meatballs in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth.
- Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Ensure they are heated through to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these delightful Swedish meatballs! They’re not just easy to make, but each bite is a warm hug of flavor. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the simple joy of creating this classic dish. You’ll be savoring every delicious moment!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
What are authentic Swedish meatballs made of?
What makes a Swedish meatball different?
What is the secret to the best Swedish meatballs?
What’s the secret to creamy Swedish sauce?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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