Name: Creamy Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup grated onion; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter (for sauce); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

What makes a plate of meatballs utterly irresistible? It’s the silky, savory gravy clinging to every bite—and that’s exactly what you get with Creamy Swedish Meatballs. This dish transforms simple pantry staples into a luxurious dinner, wrapping tender meatballs in a blanket of spiced, buttery cream sauce that tastes like comfort on a plate.

Perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings, these Swedish-style meatballs offer the balance of rich umami and gentle sweetness, often paired with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce. The sauce alone is worth the stir, soaking up with crusty bread or ladled over egg noodles. Once you make them from scratch, the IKEA version won’t stand a chance.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To create the best Creamy Swedish Meatballs, preparation and tools make all the difference. Start by setting up a large mixing bowl to combine your meat mixture evenly. A microplane grater is essential for fresh nutmeg and onions, ensuring no bitter chunks disrupt the smoothness of the meatballs.

Use a cookie scoop to form uniform balls—not just for presentation but for even cooking. A large non-stick or cast iron skillet helps sear the meatballs to a golden brown without sticking, while a silicone spatula is perfect for scraping every bit of the roux when building your sauce. And finally, a whisk is key for a lump-free, velvety gravy.

Ingredients for the Creamy Swedish Meatballs

Ground Beef & Ground Pork: This blend creates a balance of richness (pork) and depth (beef), essential for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while maintaining tenderness.
Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs don’t fall apart while cooking.
Grated Onion: Adds sweet and sharp notes without harshness; finely grated for even distribution.
Garlic Powder & Allspice: The key spices that give Swedish meatballs their iconic, warming flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Butter & Flour: Used for the roux that starts the creamy sauce, delivering that rich, thick texture.
Beef Broth: Provides depth and savoriness to the sauce base.
Heavy Cream: The luxurious component that transforms the sauce into a silky, comforting blanket.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy note that balances the richness of the cream.
Worcestershire Sauce: Brings subtle umami and sweetness to the gravy.

How To Make the Creamy Swedish Meatballs

Step 1: Combine and Shape the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, garlic powder, allspice, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Use a cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch meatballs.

Step 2: Sear the Meatballs

Heat oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning to get an even golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Set aside once cooked through.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Let it bubble for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in Worcestershire, Dijon, and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer and thicken.

Step 4: Return Meatballs to the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, return the meatballs to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over them and simmer for 10 minutes until everything is warm and coated. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Serving and Storing These Creamy Swedish Meatballs

Serve these meatballs piping hot over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even steamed rice. The creamy gravy clings to every bite, making it a perfect main course for cozy dinners or entertaining guests. For a traditional Swedish twist, pair them with a dollop of lingonberry jam on the side—it adds a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the dish.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They reheat beautifully on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. These meatballs can also be frozen (sauce and all) for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Using the right ratio of breadcrumbs to egg and not overmixing the meat mixture helps them stay intact. Also, searing them on medium heat forms a crust that holds everything together.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can shape and refrigerate the raw meatballs a day in advance, or cook them and freeze for later. Just make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Is it necessary to use both beef and pork?

The blend of meats gives the best texture and flavor, but you can use all beef if preferred. Keep in mind, all pork will make them richer and softer.

What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can substitute with a teaspoon of yellow mustard or a touch of vinegar to get a similar tang.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Make sure your beef broth is gluten-free too.

What sides go best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes are classic, but you can also serve it with egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to cut the richness.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If hearty dishes like Creamy Swedish Meatballs are your thing, you’re in for a treat with these other satisfying recipes.

For a cheesy pasta option, try the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta loaded with beefy richness and creamy tomato sauce. Or if you’re craving soup, the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup offers a rustic, vegetable-packed bowl of comfort.

Another creamy classic is the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup that’s perfect for chilly nights. And don’t miss the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe—a spicy twist on traditional layers of pasta and cheese.

For something light and crunchy to pair with your meatballs, the Italian Grinder Salad adds a fresh counterbalance to the creaminess.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go traditional with mashed potatoes, or did you try a twist like roasted cauliflower rice? Leave a comment below. I’m always excited to hear your variations!

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