Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Classic Swedish meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices, and cooked to golden perfection. Served in a rich, creamy gravy sauce made from beef broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. This hearty comfort food recipe is perfect for family dinners and pairs well with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients for a flavorful homemade meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (10%-15% fat)
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 small onion, grated (use the star side of a box grater)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other cooking oil), plus more if needed

For the Gravy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Making the Meatballs:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for a few minutes.
2. Add ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly until combined.
3. Shape the mixture into about 24 evenly sized meatballs.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the meatballs in two batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per batch. Add more oil if necessary.
6. Remove meatballs from the skillet and keep warm.

Preparing the Gravy Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour quickly and cook until it turns golden brown.
3. Gradually add the beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens to your desired consistency.
6. Return the meatballs to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the gravy. Cook until heated through.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food with rich, creamy gravy and tender meatballs.
• Balanced blend of beef and pork ensures juicy, flavorful meatballs.
• Simple ingredients come together for a hearty family-friendly meal.

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Tips

• Use fresh ground meat for the best texture and flavor.
• Grate the onion finely to blend seamlessly into the meatballs.
• Cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning.
• Whisk the flour into the melted butter quickly to prevent lumps in the gravy.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Use breadcrumbs instead of panko if preferred.
• Swap Dijon mustard for whole-grain mustard for a different flavor profile.
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meatball mixture for extra freshness.

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FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them. Reheat gently in the gravy before serving.

Can I freeze the meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs separately, then thaw and heat in the gravy when ready to eat.

What side dishes pair well with Swedish meatballs?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables complement this dish perfectly.

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Serving

Serve Swedish meatballs hot, spooned with creamy gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant touch.

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Suggestions

For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of sour cream just before serving. Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors if desired.