The Coziest Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe Ever

Nestled within culinary traditions, swedish meatballs bring comfort and nostalgia to our dinner tables.

Nordic kitchens perfected these delectable spheres generations ago.

Savory, tender meat blends seamlessly with rich, velvety sauce that hugs each morsel.

Warm spices whisper memories of cozy Scandinavian evenings.

Creamy gravy transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious experience that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through European comfort cuisine.

You will want to savor every single delicious moment of this classic dish.

Reasons To Crave Swedish Meatballs With Creamy Gravy

• Quick Family Feast: Perfect for busy households wanting a delicious meal that comes together in under an hour, this Swedish meatball recipe delivers comfort and flavor without complicated steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic meat textures with rich, creamy gravy that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal dinner option for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily adaptable to different side dishes like mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, allowing flexibility for various dietary preferences and kitchen inventories.
• Authentic Flavor Profile: Incorporates traditional Swedish spices like allspice and nutmeg, creating an authentic taste experience that transports diners to Scandinavian culinary traditions without requiring professional cooking skills.

Base for Swedish Meatballs and Gravy

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Core protein base with rich flavor, choose meats with moderate fat content for juicy meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Milk: Helps bind meatballs and keeps them tender, use fresh breadcrumbs for best texture.
• Egg: Natural binder that holds meatball mixture together.
• Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to meatball flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Allspice, Nutmeg, Salt, Black Pepper, Parsley: Classic Swedish meatball spice blend, provides warm and aromatic profile.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates rich cooking base and helps brown meatballs, use unsalted butter for better control.
• Flour: Thickens gravy and creates smooth consistency.
• Beef Broth: Provides savory liquid base for gravy.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy undertone to gravy.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Enhances umami and depth of flavor.

Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Cooking Method

Step 1: Crafting the Meatball Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for a quick 5 minutes.

This helps create a tender texture.

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Finely chopped onion
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Allspice
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped parsley

Gently mix ingredients until just incorporated.

Carefully shape the mixture into round meatballs about the size of a golf ball.

Set them on a clean tray.

Heat a blend of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook meatballs in batches, rotating to ensure even browning.

Each batch should take 6-8 minutes.

Transfer cooked meatballs to a separate plate.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Luxurious Sauce

Using the same skillet with delicious browned bits, melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it develops a golden hue.

Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

• Heavy cream
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce

Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken beautifully.

Season with salt and black pepper to match your taste preferences.

Step 3: Bringing Everything Together

Return the perfectly browned meatballs to the skillet, gently coating them in the rich, creamy sauce.

Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes to ensure complete cooking.

Scatter fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, silky egg noodles, or steamed rice.

Swedish Meatball Tips For Creamy Gravy

• Soak breadcrumbs in milk to ensure tender, juicy meatballs that won't dry out during cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when frying meatballs, allowing each one to develop a delicious golden-brown crust.
• Whisk flour and broth slowly and consistently to create a smooth, silky sauce without any unwanted clumps.
• Adjust allspice and nutmeg quantities to match your personal flavor preference, making the dish uniquely yours.
• Swap traditional sides with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version of this classic comfort meal.

Swedish Meatballs That Stay Creamy and Savory

• Store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack meatballs and gravy separately in freezer-safe containers. Frozen meatballs stay good for 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Warm meatballs and gravy in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out. Add a splash of broth if sauce seems thick.
• Place meatballs and gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure uniform heating. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Creamy Complements For Swedish Meatballs

• Pair with Lingonberry Sparkler: Mix chilled sparkling wine with homemade lingonberry syrup for a traditional Swedish-inspired beverage that cuts through the richness of the creamy meatballs.
• Match with Crisp Cucumber Salad: Create a light, tangy side salad with thinly sliced cucumbers, dill, white vinegar, and a touch of sugar to balance the hearty meat and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Whip creamy potatoes with roasted garlic and butter to create a smooth, flavorful base that perfectly absorbs the savory gravy and complements the meatballs' spices.
• Select Oak-Aged Chardonnay: Choose a medium-bodied white wine with subtle oak notes that harmonizes with the nutmeg and allspice in the meatballs while cutting through the rich, creamy sauce.

Swedish Meatball Sauce Swaps

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free flour for roux and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Use dairy-free cream alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream. Select plant-based milk for soaking breadcrumbs.
• Lamb Meatball Variation: Replace ground beef and pork with ground lamb for a richer, more intense flavor profile. Keep spice mix similar to enhance Mediterranean taste.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Create meatballs using plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil-based mixtures. Maintain original spice blend for authentic Swedish flavor experience.

FAQs

• What ingredients make Swedish meatballs unique?

The combination of ground beef and ground pork, along with traditional spices like allspice and nutmeg, gives Swedish meatballs their distinctive flavor profile that sets them apart from other meatball recipes.

• Are Swedish meatballs difficult to make at home?

Swedish meatballs are surprisingly easy to prepare. The process involves simple mixing of ingredients, forming meatballs, and creating a creamy gravy, making it a manageable recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

• Why do Swedish meatballs have a creamy sauce?

The creamy sauce is a signature element of Swedish cuisine, traditionally made with heavy cream and beef broth. It adds rich flavor and helps keep the meatballs moist and tender, creating a comforting and luxurious dish.

• Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, Swedish meatballs are great for meal prep. You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance, store them separately in the refrigerator, and reheat gently before serving without losing quality or flavor.

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy bring Nordic comfort straight to your plate. Rich, savory spheres nestle in silky sauce, inviting home cooks to savor Stockholm’s beloved culinary tradition with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork

Binders and Spices:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely grated

Cooking Fats and Gravy Components:

• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Create a luxurious milk-soaked breadcrumb mixture by combining breadcrumbs with milk, allowing the ingredients to meld for approximately 5 minutes, creating a moisture-rich foundation.
2. Incorporate ground beef, ground pork, finely diced onion, egg, garlic powder, warming spices like allspice and nutmeg, alongside salt, black pepper, and fragrant parsley into the breadcrumb base.
3. Gently blend the ingredients, taking care not to overmix, which could result in dense meatballs.
4. Craft uniformly sized spherical meatballs, ensuring consistent cooking and appealing presentation.
5. Prepare a sizzling skillet with a harmonious blend of butter and olive oil, heating to a precise medium temperature.
6. Carefully introduce meatballs in controlled batches, allowing each to develop a golden-brown exterior through 6-8 minutes of careful frying.
7. Extract meatballs and reserve, maintaining their crisp exterior and juicy interior.
8. Utilize the same skillet to craft a velvety roux by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking until a rich golden hue emerges.
9. Gradually introduce beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent any unwelcome lumps from forming.
10. Elevate the sauce’s complexity by incorporating heavy cream, tangy Dijon mustard, and umami-rich Worcestershire sauce.
11. Simmer the gravy, allowing it to thicken and develop deep, sophisticated flavors.
12. Delicately reintroduce the meatballs to the luxurious gravy, ensuring each morsel is generously coated.
13. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley and serving alongside creamy mashed potatoes, tender egg noodles, or fluffy rice.

Notes

• Soak breadcrumbs thoroughly to ensure moist, tender meatballs that won’t become dry or crumbly.
• Mix meats gently to prevent tough, dense texture; overmixing can make meatballs rubbery and compact.
• Use a combination of ground beef and pork for authentic Swedish flavor and juicier, more complex taste profile.
• Choose high-quality, fresh spices like whole nutmeg and allspice for more vibrant, authentic Scandinavian seasoning.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
• Control browning temperature to prevent burning; medium heat creates perfect golden exterior without scorching.
• Test meatball doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 160°F for food safety.
• Adjust gravy consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
• Create dairy-free version using coconut cream instead of heavy cream for lactose-intolerant guests.
• Enhance meal nutrition by serving with roasted vegetables or protein-rich quinoa instead of traditional starches.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg