Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy

These classic Swedish meatballs are tender, flavorful, and served in a rich, creamy gravy that’s perfect over noodles or rice. Comfort food at its finest, this recipe balances warm spices with a luscious sour cream sauce for a dish everyone will love.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil (28 g), divided
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 lb lean ground beef (454 g)
• 1 lb ground pork (454 g)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (60 g)
• 2 large egg yolks
• ¼ tsp ground allspice (0.5 g)
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (0.5 g)
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt (9 g)
• ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper (1.5 g)

For the Gravy:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (57 g)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (40 g)
• 3 ¾ cups low-sodium beef broth (900 mL)
• ¾ cup sour cream (180 g)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (8 g)

To Serve:

• 1 lb egg noodles (454 g), cooked (or rice)

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Instructions

1. Cook the onions
Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg yolks, allspice, nutmeg, and the cooked onion. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well using a meat chopper, wooden spoon, or your hands.

3. Shape and brown
Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs (about 20–24). Add the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil to the skillet and brown the meatballs in batches, about 4–5 minutes, turning to get all sides golden. Transfer browned meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Make the gravy
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Finish the sauce
Stir in the sour cream and season with salt and pepper. Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through and the gravy is thickened.

6. Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot over cooked egg noodles or rice.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender, flavorful meatballs with a creamy, comforting sauce.
• Perfect balance of warm spices: nutmeg and allspice add depth.
• Classic comfort food for family dinners or special occasions.
• Easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients.

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Tips

• Uniform meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to ensure even size and cooking.
• Browning matters: Searing meatballs before simmering locks in flavor and juices.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the meat can make meatballs tough.
• Thicker gravy: Simmer a little longer or whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Meat options: Use all beef, turkey, or chicken for a lighter version.
• Gluten-free: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko.
• Dairy-free: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of sour cream.
• Extra flavor: Add 1 tsp Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy.

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FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Meatballs can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the sauce before serving.

Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?
Absolutely. Freeze cooked meatballs in the gravy in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

What should I serve with them?
Traditionally served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Temper the sour cream by stirring in a few spoonfuls of hot gravy before adding it to the skillet.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve with buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Pair with steamed vegetables like green beans or peas for a complete meal.
• Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
• Great for meal prep—portion into containers for easy lunches or dinners.