Swedish Meatballs Recipe – Creamy and Flavorful Comfort Food

Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Swedish meatballs are a comforting classic, featuring juicy beef and pork meatballs in a creamy, savory sauce. With hints of nutmeg and allspice, these meatballs are perfect for a cozy dinner, served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. This recipe is easy to make at home and will bring a touch of Swedish tradition to your dinner table.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

To Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

To Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
2. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
3. Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine, then add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Tips

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce. To prevent meatballs from falling apart, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.

FAQs

• Can I use only beef for the meatballs? Yes, you can use all beef, but mixing beef and pork provides a more tender and flavorful meatball.
• Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can make the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freeze them. Reheat them in the sauce before serving.
• What sides go well with Swedish meatballs? Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, and steamed vegetables are traditional sides that complement Swedish meatballs well.
• Can I make the sauce without cream? You can use a milk-based substitute, though the sauce will be less rich. Adding a bit of sour cream can also add some creaminess.

Conclusion

Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort food that combines juicy meatballs with a creamy, flavorful sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a hearty, family-friendly dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes or noodles for a delicious and comforting meal everyone will love!