There’s something magical about Swedish meatballs that makes them irresistible. Imagine biting into a tender, juicy ball of ground meat, perfectly seasoned and smothered in a creamy, rich sauce that dances on your palate. The aroma wafts through the air, enveloping you in warmth and comfort, making it impossible to resist. perfect side dish for meatballs Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re just in need of some cozy food therapy, these meatballs are your ticket to flavor paradise.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?
- What sauce pairs best with Swedish meatballs?
- Can I use different meats for Swedish meatballs?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Growing up, my family had an unofficial tradition of enjoying Swedish meatballs every Sunday night. My mom would whip up a batch while we gathered around the table, sharing stories from our week. The laughter mixed with the tantalizing scent of garlic and herbs created a perfect recipe for joy. delicious garlic bread accompaniment Now, whenever I make this dish, it brings back those cherished memories and warms my heart like a cozy blanket.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Swedish meatballs are incredibly easy to prepare, allowing anyone to impress at dinner parties or family gatherings
- You’ll fall in love with their savory flavor profile that’s balanced by creamy sauce goodness
- The visual appeal is undeniable as they sit nestled on a bed of mashed potatoes or noodles
- Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve as appetizers or main dishes, fitting any occasion beautifully
Every time I serve these Swedish meatballs, my friends rave about how delicious they are! For more inspiration, check out this caramel coconut cookies recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
- Ground Beef: Opt for a blend with some fat for tenderness; 80/20 is perfect.
- Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and flavor; feel free to substitute with turkey for a leaner option.
- Breadcrumbs: Use plain breadcrumbs for binding; panko gives an extra crunchy texture.
- Onion: Finely chop for sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves enhance the aroma; minced garlic packs a punch!
- Eggs: Acts as a binder; using room temperature eggs helps mix everything easily.
- Sour Cream: Mix into the sauce for creaminess; Greek yogurt can be a great substitute too!
- Beef Broth: A flavorful base for the sauce; low-sodium options keep it balanced. roasted vegetables for balance.
- Allspice and Nutmeg: These warm spices add depth; don’t skip them!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs and seasonings until well mixed without overworking it.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions in butter until golden brown and fragrant. Add minced garlic towards the end to prevent burning. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe recipe.
Form the Meatballs: Scoop out portions of your mixture and roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in your preheated oven for 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Their delicious aroma will fill your kitchen!
Create the Creamy Sauce: In that same skillet used for onions, add flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Add Meatballs to Sauce: Once baked, gently fold those glorious meatballs into your creamy sauce on low heat. Let them simmer together for five minutes so flavors meld beautifully.
Serve these delightful Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes or noodles with fresh parsley sprinkled on top. breakfast twist with pancakes Enjoy every bite of nostalgia wrapped in flavor!
You Must Know
- Swedish meatballs are not just delicious; their rich flavors and creamy sauce can brighten any meal
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking to the table
- These meatballs are perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, making them a versatile dish for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the meatballs in batches for that golden crust, then simmer gently in sauce for juicy tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap beef with ground turkey or add spices like nutmeg for a unique twist on flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Swedish meatballs, ensure even cooking by flipping them halfway through searing
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for a lighter texture that soaks up flavor beautifully
- Don’t skip simmering; it makes all the difference in taste and tenderness!
Cooking Swedish meatballs always reminds me of my childhood family gatherings, where laughter and delicious food filled the air, creating unforgettable memories.
FAQ
Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and freeze them; just reheat when ready to serve.
What sauce pairs best with Swedish meatballs?
A creamy gravy made from pan drippings enhances the rich flavor perfectly.
Can I use different meats for Swedish meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork also work wonderfully with similar seasoning.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Swedish Meatballs
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Swedish meatballs are a comforting classic that brings warmth to any table. Juicy morsels of seasoned ground beef and pork are enveloped in a creamy sauce, making them irresistible for both family dinners and festive gatherings. Served over mashed potatoes or noodles, these meatballs deliver nostalgia and flavor in every bite. Perfect for cozy nights or special occasions, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- ½ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until mixed without overworking.
- Sauté chopped onion in butter until golden; add minced garlic at the end.
- Form the mixture into meatballs (about 1 inch) and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until browned.
- In the same skillet, make the sauce by whisking flour into sautéed onions; slowly add beef broth and sour cream until smooth.
- Gently fold baked meatballs into the sauce and simmer for five minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





