The Best Swedish Meatballs
Swedish Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food, bringing rich flavors and a creamy texture that’s hard to beat. Tender meatballs are seasoned to perfection and smothered in a silky gravy, creating a dish that’s pure indulgence.
With a blend of aromatic spices like allspice and nutmeg, these meatballs are packed with layers of flavor. Paired with a luscious, savory sauce, every bite is a satisfying balance of savory and creamy.
This recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Serve them over egg noodles or rice for a complete meal that everyone will rave about.
The Best Swedish Meatballs Ingredients
For these The Best Swedish Meatballs, every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a rich, flavorful dish. The combination of ground beef, seasoned with aromatic spices like allspice and nutmeg, forms a savory base. Panko breadcrumbs add lightness and texture, while chopped parsley gives a fresh burst of color and flavor. The subtle sweetness of finely chopped onion and garlic powder enhances the savory profile, creating a balanced, irresistible bite. A touch of Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard in the creamy sauce deepens the flavor, while heavy cream and beef broth bring a velvety richness to the dish.
The Best Swedish Meatballs
These The Best Swedish Meatballs are a savory delight, offering a perfect balance of tender, flavorful meatballs smothered in a creamy, rich gravy. The blend of spices and the decadent sauce come together to create a dish that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: When combining the ground beef with the seasonings and breadcrumbs, mix just until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, which is a big no-no in creating that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Use a Mix of Beef and Pork: For an even richer flavor and a more tender texture, consider using half beef and half pork. This combination creates a more flavorful and moist meatball that complements the creamy gravy beautifully.
- Adjust the Gravy Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more beef broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken up. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the meatballs but still pour easily over your dish.
What to Serve with Recipe
- Egg Noodles: The classic pairing for Swedish meatballs, egg noodles offer a perfect neutral base to absorb the creamy gravy. Their smooth texture complements the rich sauce, making each bite a satisfying experience.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are another great option for serving alongside these meatballs. The buttery potatoes soak up the flavorful gravy, making it a hearty and comforting combination.
- Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Add some color and texture to your plate with roasted vegetables such as carrots, brussels sprouts, or parsnips. Their slightly crispy edges balance the softness of the meatballs, enhancing the dish with a fresh, savory element.
FAQ
1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. In fact, chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them hold their shape better. You can also freeze them and cook from frozen, just adjust the cooking time.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream for the sauce?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce may be slightly thinner and less rich. For a thicker sauce, consider adding a bit more flour to the mixture.
3. Can I use a different type of meat?
While traditional Swedish meatballs are made with beef or a beef-pork blend, you can experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. Just note that leaner meats may result in a less juicy meatball.
4. How do I make the sauce vegetarian?
To make the sauce vegetarian, simply substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat-based ingredients. You can also use plant-based cream alternatives for the heavy cream, such as coconut cream or oat cream.
The Best Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
- Meatballs
- Ground beef
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Ground allspice
- Ground nutmeg
- Finely chopped onion
- Garlic powder
- Ground black pepper
- Salt
- Egg
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Sauce
- Butter
- Flour
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, chopped onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and egg. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into 12 large meatballs or 20 smaller ones. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set them aside, covering them with foil to keep warm.
- To make the sauce, melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add the flour and whisk until the mixture turns a golden brown color. Gradually stir in the beef broth and heavy cream, followed by Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring them into the gravy. Simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the rich sauce. Serve immediately, ideally over a bed of egg noodles or rice for a complete meal.
