The Best Swedish Meatballs Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic

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Swedish Meatballs are a beloved dish known for their juicy, flavorful meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. Whether served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, this dish is the ultimate comfort food that satisfies every craving.

In this post, I’ll guide you through how to make authentic Swedish meatballs from scratch, along with expert tips, variations, and the best serving suggestions. If you’re looking for an easy, homemade Swedish meatballs recipe, this is it!

What Are Swedish Meatballs?

Unlike traditional Italian meatballs, Swedish meatballs are made with ground beef, flavored with warm spices like nutmeg and allspice, and served in a creamy, savory brown sauce rather than tomato-based marinara. These meatballs are slightly smaller than Italian meatballs, making them perfect for serving over pasta or mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Homemade & Juicy – These meatballs are incredibly tender and moist with a perfect balance of flavors.
✅ Easy to Make – Ready in 40 minutes with simple pantry staples!
✅ Rich & Creamy Sauce – The savory beef gravy is smooth, buttery, and absolutely delicious.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze the extras for a quick meal later.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve for a family dinner, meal prep, or holiday gathering.

Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 slice soft bread
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Swedish Meatball Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or sour cream)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with foil (optional but helps with cleanup!).
2. Tear the bread into small pieces and pulse it in a food processor to create fine breadcrumbs.
3. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs and water, then let it sit for a few minutes to absorb.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix gently – overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
5. Roll the mixture into 1.5 to 2-inch balls (yields about 20 meatballs).
6. Place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 10-15 minutes (longer for larger meatballs), until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

2. Make the Swedish Meatball Sauce

1. In a large measuring cup, whisk together beef broth, cream, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, garlic, parsley, salt, thyme, black pepper, and nutmeg.
2. Pour the mixture into a large skillet and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened, stirring frequently (about 5 minutes).
4. Add the baked meatballs into the sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly.
5. Simmer the meatballs for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

3. Serve & Enjoy

Swedish Meatballs are traditionally served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Egg noodles – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Mashed potatoes – A classic pairing for ultimate comfort.
• Rice – A great option if you prefer a lighter side.
• Lingonberry Jam – Traditional in Swedish cuisine, adding a sweet contrast to the savory meatballs.

Expert Tips for the Best Swedish Meatballs

🔥 Don’t overmix the meat – Overmixing leads to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined.
🔥 Use high-quality beef – This adds juiciness and flavor. If using lean beef, add an extra tablespoon of water or milk.
🔥 For extra richness, use sour cream instead of heavy cream – This gives the sauce a tangy, deep flavor.
🔥 Want a shortcut? Use frozen meatballs! – If short on time, store-bought meatballs work great with this sauce.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

• Make-Ahead: Prepare meatballs up to 24 hours in advance, store in an airtight container, and cook when ready.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked meatballs without sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Substitute ground turkey or chicken, but add a little extra fat (like olive oil or butter) to keep them moist.

2. How do I make the sauce thicker?

For a thicker sauce, add an extra ½ tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water.

3. Are Swedish Meatballs gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace flour with cornstarch in the sauce.

4. Can I cook the meatballs in the sauce instead of baking them?

Yes! Instead of baking, simmer them in the sauce for 8 minutes per side until fully cooked.

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Final Thoughts

Swedish Meatballs are a timeless classic that’s easy to make and incredibly flavorful. Whether served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Try this homemade Swedish meatballs recipe for a cozy, comforting meal that the whole family will love! 🍽️✨

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