Irresistible Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Name: Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 2 large eggs; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 cup sour cream; 2 cups low-sodium beef broth; 3 tbsp butter (for cooking); 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for the gravy); 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)

Recipe By:

Melisa Egan

Posted:

December 28, 2025

Updated:

December 28, 2025

0 Shares

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Swedish meatballs are like little bites of heaven, bursting with flavor and wrapped in a creamy sauce that makes your taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine plump, seasoned morsels nestled in a rich gravy, served over fluffy mashed potatoes or with lingonberry sauce on the side. They’re the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day.

I still remember the first time I tasted true Swedish meatballs at my friend’s family gathering. The aroma wafting from the kitchen made my stomach growl louder than a bear! Those tender meatballs paired with their signature sauce had me questioning if I could ever eat anything else again. Let’s dive into this comfort food classic, perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Swedish meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for weeknight dinners.
Their savory flavor profile will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Visually appealing with their golden-brown crust and glossy sauce, they look as good as they taste.
Versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or main dish, these meatballs fit any occasion perfectly.

I will never forget the smiles on my family’s faces when I first made these meatballs. Everyone went back for seconds—some even thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ground Beef: Use high-quality beef for juicy meatballs; it makes all the difference in flavor.
Ground Pork: A blend of pork adds richness and moisture to your meatballs.
Bread Crumbs: Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs to bind the mixture and add texture.
Milk: Whole milk keeps the meatballs moist and tender; don’t skimp on the creaminess.
Eggs: Binding agents that help hold everything together; use fresh eggs for best results.
Onion: Finely chopped onion gives a sweet undertone; sautéing enhances its flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch; you can never have too much garlic!
Nutmeg: Just a pinch elevates the flavor profile with warm spices—trust me on this one!
Sour Cream: For that creamy sauce; it adds tanginess that complements the savory meatballs beautifully.
Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness in your gravy while adding depth of flavor.

For the Sauce:

Butter: Adds richness and helps create a luscious gravy; don’t skimp!
Flour: To thicken your sauce; all-purpose works well here.
Soy Sauce: A splash enhances umami and color in your gravy; opt for low sodium.
Lingonberry Jam (optional): Serve on the side for sweetness; it’s a traditional pairing!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for swedish meatballs

How to Make Swedish Meatballs

First things first: preparation is key! Gather all your ingredients and tools like mixing bowls and measuring cups to streamline your cooking adventure.

Create the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork along with breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well blended but not overmixed.

Form into Balls: Use your hands (wet them slightly to avoid sticking) to shape small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them on a baking sheet as you go—this is where you can practice your tossing skills!

Sear Those Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter until foamy. Add meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides—about 8 minutes total—making sure they don’t crowd each other!

Create the Gravy: After removing meatballs from the pan, reduce heat to medium-low. Add more butter if necessary and sprinkle flour into the pan drippings while whisking continuously until golden brown—about 2 minutes.

Add Liquid Gold: Gradually pour in beef broth and soy sauce while stirring until smooth and thickened—this should take around 5 minutes. Stir in sour cream for creaminess!

Lastly, return those glorious meatballs back into the skillet with gravy to simmer for another 5 minutes so they soak up all that delicious flavor.

Serve these Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for ultimate comfort food vibes—you’ll thank yourself later! Enjoy every bite because who can resist such delight?

You Must Know

Swedish meatballs are not just delicious; they’re also incredibly versatile.
You can serve them with pasta, rice, or even in a sandwich.
The fragrant aroma of spices fills your kitchen, making it feel like a cozy Swedish cabin.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To make the best Swedish meatballs, brown them in a skillet first. Then, prepare the creamy sauce in the same pan for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or add herbs like dill for a unique twist. Experiment with spices to find your favorite flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Don’t skip the browning step; it enhances flavor significantly.
Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of dry ones for added moisture.
For an extra kick, try adding a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the mixture.

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my family gathering around the table, laughing and enjoying each bite together while relishing my mom’s secret sauce.

FAQ

What meat is best for Swedish meatballs?

Mixing beef and pork creates a balanced flavor and texture that’s traditional.

Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?

Yes, they freeze well! Just ensure they’re cooled before sealing them in an airtight container.

What sauce goes best with Swedish meatballs?

A creamy gravy made from pan drippings pairs perfectly, creating that classic taste everyone loves.

0 Shares