Julia Koch
Few dishes bring as much cozy comfort as Perfect Swedish Meatballs. Juicy, tender beef and pork meatballs are bathed in a rich, creamy gravy with just the right hint of nutmeg and allspice. Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or enjoying them straight from the pan, these meatballs deliver the ultimate in hearty, home-style satisfaction.
What sets Swedish meatballs apart isn’t just their creamy sauce, but the balance of warm spices with the savory depth of the meat. The gravy clings to each golden-browned bite, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness to the richness. They’re equally fitting for Sunday dinners or cozy gatherings.
What Kind of Meat Should I Use?
Swedish meatballs get their signature texture and flavor from a blend of ground beef and pork. Beef brings depth and hearty flavor, while pork adds fat and tenderness. You can substitute with all beef or even ground turkey for a lighter version, but the traditional mix gives the best results.
Ingredients for the Perfect Swedish Meatballs
Ground Beef
Provides rich, hearty flavor and structure to the meatballs.
Ground Pork
Adds fat and juiciness, making the meatballs tender and moist.
Breadcrumbs
Help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs soft, not dense.
Egg
Essential for binding the meat mixture together.
Onion
Finely chopped and sautéed to infuse a sweet-savory flavor.
Garlic
Adds aromatic depth to both meatballs and gravy.
Nutmeg and Allspice
These warm spices are key to the distinct Swedish flavor profile.
Beef Broth
Used as the base of the creamy gravy for a rich, savory note.
Heavy Cream
Creates that smooth, luxurious texture in the sauce.
Flour
Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
Butter
For browning and flavor in both the meatballs and sauce.
Salt and Pepper
Balance and enhance all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley
Garnish for color and a pop of freshness.
How To Make the Perfect Swedish Meatballs
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Let this mixture cool slightly before adding it to the meat mixture.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onion and garlic, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until everything is well incorporated but not overworked.
Step 3: Form and Brown the Meatballs
Scoop and roll the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a few tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until browned on all sides and cooked through. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, spooning the gravy over them. Let everything simmer together for 8–10 minutes so the flavors can meld and the sauce thickens around the meatballs.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even rice. The creamy gravy and tender meatballs are a comfort classic you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve and Store These Creamy Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles. Lingonberry jam on the side adds a sweet-tart contrast that lifts the dish beautifully. For a lighter twist, try them with steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. These also freeze well — just freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and brown the meatballs a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, then reheat and simmer in the sauce before serving.
Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze the meatballs and sauce in separate airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be thinner. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can work, but the flavor will shift.
Are Swedish meatballs gluten-free?
Not by default, as they usually contain breadcrumbs and flour. But you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to make them safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I use all beef instead of a beef-pork mix?
You can, but the texture may be slightly firmer and less juicy. Adding a bit of olive oil or milk to the mixture can help compensate.
What if I don’t have allspice?
Allspice can be substituted with a small pinch of cinnamon and cloves. It won’t be quite the same, but still delivers that warm, spiced flavor profile.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
You might also like the Rigatoni Bolognese, a hearty Italian classic with rich tomato flavor and tender pasta. Or try the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a creamy, cheesy twist that comes together fast.
If you’re craving comforting layers, the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe delivers a spicy, cheesy bake. For cozy soups, both the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup are excellent warm-up options.
For a weeknight winner, the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta offers a simple skillet dinner that never fails.
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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you tweak the spice blend? Did you serve it with noodles or potatoes? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.
Perfect Swedish Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Perfect Swedish Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food — tender beef and pork meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy gravy with a touch of warm spices. Serve them over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 tbsp butter (for frying and gravy)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, sautéed onion and garlic, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high. Brown the meatballs in batches until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little butter if needed. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Return meatballs to the pan and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm over mashed potatoes or noodles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
