Name: Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground turkey; 1 small onion, finely grated; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1 large egg; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley; 2 tbsp butter (for frying); 3 tbsp butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

There’s something incredibly comforting about cooking Swedish Meatballs from scratch. I remember the first time I made them—it was a rainy afternoon, and the smell of warm spices and creamy sauce filled my kitchen. It felt like I was crafting a meal straight out of a cozy Scandinavian kitchen. What I love about this dish is how it brings together simple ingredients to create something rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether I’m making them for a family dinner or prepping a batch ahead of a busy week, they always deliver.

For me, Swedish Meatballs aren’t just about taste—they’re about the experience. Rolling the meatballs by hand, watching them sizzle to golden brown in the pan, and whisking together that velvety cream sauce—it’s a process that I find both relaxing and rewarding. And the aroma? It pulls everyone into the kitchen before dinner’s even ready. That kind of warmth and anticipation is hard to beat.

I like serving these meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, something that soaks up all that luscious sauce. Sometimes, I’ll add a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side for a hint of sweetness—it’s the classic Swedish way, and it really complements the savory flavors.

If you’ve never made Swedish Meatballs at home before, don’t worry. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and the results are more than worth the effort. I’m excited to walk you through the steps, share some of my tips, and help you bring this delicious comfort food into your own kitchen. Let’s get started and create a dish that’s guaranteed to become a new favorite at your table.

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground turkey
1 small onion, finely grated
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 large egg
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp finely chopped parsley
2 tbsp butter (for frying)

For the sauce:

3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Bake Swedish Meatballs:

Step 1: Prepare the meatball mixture
First, I soak the breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes, allowing them to soften. Meanwhile, I finely grate the onion to keep the texture smooth. In a large bowl, I combine the soaked breadcrumbs, grated onion, ground beef, ground turkey, egg, parsley, and all the seasonings. I mix it just until everything is evenly blended—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Shape and cook the meatballs
Once the mixture is ready, I roll it into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size. I heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches. I make sure to brown them on all sides, which usually takes about 7–8 minutes. Once they’re browned, I transfer them to a baking dish and finish cooking them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for another 10–12 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Step 3: Make the creamy sauce
In the same skillet, I melt more butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. I stir constantly for about 2 minutes until it turns golden. Then I gradually pour in the beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps. I add the cream, soy sauce, and mustard, and let the sauce simmer for about 5–6 minutes until thick and smooth. I season it to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine and serve
Finally, I return the baked meatballs to the skillet, gently spooning the sauce over them to coat every side. I let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. I love serving them over mashed potatoes, with the sauce generously spooned over the top

How Long to Bake Swedish Meatballs

When it comes to baking the meatballs after searing them, I usually set my oven to 350°F (175°C). Once all the meatballs are nicely browned in the skillet, I place them in a baking dish in a single layer. I bake them for about 10 to 12 minutes, just until they’re fully cooked through. I always check one by cutting it open to ensure there’s no pink inside—it should be juicy, but not raw.

If I’m baking the meatballs without pan-frying them first, I give them a bit more time—usually 18 to 20 minutes. I use a meat thermometer to make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). That way, I know they’re perfectly safe to eat and still moist inside.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover Swedish Meatballs store beautifully. I let them cool to room temperature first. Then, I place them in an airtight container with the sauce and refrigerate them. They stay good for up to 3 days. When I reheat them, I do it gently in a saucepan over low heat. I add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Sometimes, I freeze a batch without the sauce. I arrange the cooked meatballs on a baking tray, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They last up to 2 months. I thaw them in the fridge overnight and reheat them in the oven or on the stove with fresh sauce.

Tips for Perfect Swedish Meatballs

To keep my meatballs tender, I always soak the breadcrumbs in milk before mixing. This keeps them soft and juicy after baking. I also avoid overworking the meat mixture, which can make them dense. Mixing just until combined does the trick.

For uniform cooking, I make sure the meatballs are all about the same size. Using a cookie scoop really helps. And browning them in butter before baking gives them that rich, deep flavor.

When making the sauce, I keep stirring constantly after adding the flour. This prevents lumps and gives the sauce a smooth texture. If I want an extra creamy finish, I add a bit more cream at the end.

One more thing—don’t rush the simmering step. Letting the meatballs sit in the sauce for a few minutes really helps soak in all that flavor. It’s that final step that takes them from good to truly memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Swedish Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, Swedish Meatballs are perfect for meal prep! You can make them up to two days in advance. After baking and making the sauce, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat them on the stove, adding a bit of cream or broth to thin the sauce if necessary. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months if you want to save them for a future meal.

2. Can I use a different meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! While traditional Swedish Meatballs use a mix of beef and pork, you can easily substitute the pork with ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb. Ground beef alone works well, but if you want a leaner option, turkey is a great alternative. Just remember to adjust seasoning and fat content as needed for the best flavor and texture.

3. What can I serve with Swedish Meatballs?
Swedish Meatballs are often served with mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or lingonberry jam. You can also pair them with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad. The creamy sauce complements almost any side dish, and the tangy sweetness of lingonberry jam really brings the whole dish together.

4. Can I make the sauce without heavy cream?
If you’d prefer a lighter version, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Keep in mind that the sauce will be a bit thinner, so you might need to simmer it a bit longer to thicken. For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream. Just ensure you balance the flavors as needed!

Swedish Meatballs

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Author: Lena Meeli
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Swedish Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food. The tender, flavorful meatballs are enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for a cozy meal, this dish is sure to impress. Perfectly paired with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, it’s a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

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