Just when you thought meatballs couldn’t get any better, along comes this Swedish twist that’s sure to become a family favorite. Juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a creamy sauce, these meatballs are a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of beef and pork ensures a juicy, flavorful meatball every time.
- A touch of nutmeg and allspice adds that authentic Swedish flavor profile.
- The creamy sauce is made in the same pan as the meatballs, maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup.
- Perfect for meal prep, these meatballs freeze beautifully and reheat like a dream.
- Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Meatball scoop or tablespoon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, letting them sit for a few minutes to soften. Add the ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. For uniform meatballs, use a scoop or tablespoon to measure out the mixture, rolling each portion into a ball.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the remaining butter and drippings. Whisk continuously for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors. If the sauce thickens too much, you can thin it with a little more beef broth or water.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They’re perfect over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with a side of lingonberry jam for that authentic Swedish touch.
Tips and Tricks
For the juiciest meatballs, don’t skip the step of soaking the breadcrumbs in milk—it’s a game-changer. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen meatballs, but homemade will always taste better. To ensure even cooking, make sure your meatballs are all roughly the same size. If you’re making these for a crowd, you can keep them warm in a slow cooker set to low. And for a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Recipe Variations
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
- Add a tablespoon of lingonberry or cranberry jam to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
- For a dairy-free version, use almond milk and coconut cream, and substitute olive oil for butter.
- Spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to serve Swedish meatballs?
Traditionally, they’re served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles and a side of lingonberry jam. But they’re also delicious with rice or even as a sandwich filling.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, baking is a great option for a healthier version. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
Summary
These easy Swedish meatballs are a comforting classic that’s perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and a creamy, flavorful sauce, they’re sure to become a family favorite.