Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart. Swedish Meatballs Recipe. Is it easier to make a bowl of warm, comforting hug? What are some examples of meatballs swimming in marinara? What is creamy, savory gravy? If you love a good stroganoff but want something even more family-friendly, this is it. Growing up, this was THE dish everyone looked forward to at holidays, and now I make it for my own. I have 2 kids all the time. I want to How do you get your socks knocked off?
What is Swedish meatball recipe?
Swedish Meatballs are, at their heart, served in a creamy, rich gravy. What is comfort food? The meatballs themselves are typically made with a mixture of Ground Beef and pork, breadcrumbs, and salt. They can be served with any number of toppings. What is onion, and spices? What sets them apart is the gravy. It’s usually a roux-based sauce, meaning it starts with butter and flour, and then you add broth and salt. Cream to create a velvety, flavorful coating for the meatballs. In Swedish, it’s called “köttbullar”, and you can find variations of it all over Scandinavia, but I don’t know how to pronounce it. This version is a *chef’s kiss. I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it actually came out even creamier, if you’re a vegan. Is dairy-free a good idea?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I make Swedish Meatballs? First, the flavor is out of this world. What is the combination of savory meatballs and that creamy, slightly tangy gravy? Is there a taste explosion in your mouth? Second, while it might seem intimidating, it’s surprisingly simple to make. I’ve made this on weeknights. Is it really easy to make a meal? Third, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Is ground meat a budget-friendly food? What is already in your pantry? Is it versatile? Serve it over mashed potatoes, rice, or even alongside some crusty bread for soaking up the flavor. What’s that delicious gravy? Is it even easier than my usual meatloaf recipe?
How do I make Swedish meatballs?
Quick Overview
How do I make Swedish Meatballs? How do I make meatballs? How do you brown a potato to golden perfection? What’s the best way to cook meatballs? Is it true that the flavors are melded together beautifully? What is the secret to browning meatballs? How can you create a beautiful crust?
Ingredients
For the Meatballs: What
* 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor)
* 1/2 pound ground pork (adds richness and moisture)
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (they’re lighter and give a better texture)
I use whole milk, but any kind of milk will work.
* 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
* 1 large egg (to bind everything together)
* 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly ground) is best!
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds a subtle warmth)
* 2 tablespoons butter, for browning (or olive oil)
For the Gravy:
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium is best so you can control the salt)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (or sour cream for a tangier flavor)
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (trust me on this one!)
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth)
* Salt and pepper to taste
How do I get
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt and pepper. Set aside. Salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix Gently mix everything together with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. I always mix it until it *just* comes together.
Step 2: Roll the Meatballs
How do you roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs? I find it easiest to use a small cookie scoop to ensure they’re all uniform in size. How do you cook them evenly?
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
How do you melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat? Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcook. Can overcrowd the pan? Brown them on all sides until nicely golden brown. At this point, they don’t need to be cooked through. We’re just looking for color. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is your roux! Cooking the flour is crucial for removing that raw flour taste. Now, slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits are flavor gold!
Step 5: Simmer the Meatballs
Bring the gravy to a simmer, then add the browned meatballs back to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for 15-20 minutes. How long does it take for a chicken to cook through? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Finish the Gravy
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. If you want a tangier gravy, substitute sour cream for heavy cream. Just be sure to stir it in gently to prevent curdling!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Swedish Meatballs: Serve hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
What should I serve it with?
What is the best part about Swedish Meatballs Recipe? You can customize it to your liking.
Over Egg Noodles: What areWhat is the classic pairing? The creamy gravy coats the noodles perfectly, making each bite pure bliss. I like to toss the noodles with a little butter and parsley before adding the meatballs.
What are the best recipes for mashedWhat are some good mashed potatoes to serve with gravy? I like to add a little Parmesan cheese to my mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
With Rice:If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the meatballs over an egg. The rice absorbs the gravy beautifully.
What is Crusty Bread?For a more casual meal, serve the meatballs with some crusty bread for dipping in the gravy. What is a perfect night in?
My family also loves it with a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad to add a little freshness to the meal. The possibilities are endless!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Alright, let’s talk tips! After years of making this Swedish Meatballs Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you achieve meatball perfection.
Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Gently mix the ingredients until just combined.
Use a Cookie Scoop for Uniform Meatballs: This ensures that all the meatballs are the same size, which helps them cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Browning: Browning the meatballs in batches ensures that they get a nice golden crust. Overcrowding the pan will steam the meatballs instead of browning them.
Scrape Up the Browned Bits: When making the gravy, make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits add tons of flavor!
Simmer, Don’t Boil: Simmering the meatballs in the gravy allows them to cook through gently and absorb all the delicious flavors. Boiling can make them tough.
Adjust the Gravy to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker gravy, whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) at the end. If you prefer a thinner gravy, add a little more beef broth.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Some people like to add a pinch of allspice or ginger to the meatball mixture. It’s your kitchen; make it your own!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! These Swedish Meatballs store beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving them at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate them as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before refrigerating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the meatballs. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and gravy in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook them. If the gravy is too thick, add a little beef broth to thin it out.
Glaze Timing Advice: The best time to add glaze to your zucchini bread is after baking and allowing it to cool slightly. This allows the glaze to adhere better and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
And there you have it! My family’s beloved Swedish Meatballs Recipe. This recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a memory, a tradition, and a whole lot of love in a bowl. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other family favorites, like my classic lasagna or my easy chicken pot pie. Now, go forth and make some delicious Swedish Meatballs! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out. Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations with me. Happy cooking!
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 0.5 lb Ground pork
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 egg Egg
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
