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These Swedish Meatballs are smothered in the most amazing rich and creamy gravy and packed with such delicious flavor. You will quickly agree these are the BEST you have ever had!
Serve these scrumptious meatballs over buttered noodles or rice with a Caesar Salad, and these Perfectly Soft Buttery Rolls for a dinner the whole family will love!
Reasons This Recipe is the BEST!
- 300+ 5 Star Reviews: This recipe, trusted by millions, boasts over 300 five-star reviews. I am confident you’ll love it too!!
- Creamy Sauce: The secret lies in the sauce. These meatballs are crafted with a perfect blend of traditional Swedish spices and complemented by a rich, creamy gravy
- Better than IKEA: Ever had IKEA Swedish Meatballs? These ones are so easy and WAY better!
A Reader’s Review
I already have a favorite Swedish meatball recipe that I’ve been making for years. So I wasn’t sure the family would like this version and if I’d regret not sticking to my usual. Well, I can say, this is now the family Swedish meatball recipe! So perfect! The sauce was silky and delicious, and the meatballs were juicy and had a lovely flavor. Highly recommend!
-Anna
Swedish Meatball Ingredients
These meatballs have so much flavor and are easy to make! Don’t let this long list intimidate you. I bet you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.
What’s in Swedish Meatballs?
- Ground beef: The main protein base for the meatballs, providing flavor and texture.
- Panko bread crumbs: Adds lightness and helps bind the meatballs together.
- Parsley: I use fresh parsley to enhance the taste.
- Ground allspice: Introduces a warm, slightly sweet flavor.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty, warm flavor that complements the beef.
- Onion: This surprisingly adds a slight sweetness to the meatballs.
- Garlic powder: You can’t go wrong with garlic!
- Pepper: This adds in some mild heat.
- Salt: The salt enhances all of the flavors of the ingredients in the Swedish meatballs.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the meatballs, adding flavor and helps the meatballs to brown.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps in browning the meatballs.
What is Swedish Meatball Sauce Made of?
- Butter: Forms the base of the sauce, providing richness.
- Flour: Combined with butter to create a roux, the flours helps thicken the sauce.
- Beef broth: Adds depth of flavor and forms the liquid base of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory depth to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Introduces a slight tang to the sauce without being overwhelming.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors of the sauce.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs
These will come together quick and cook in about 30 min total, so dinner is fast and easy!
- Combine beef, egg and seasonings: In a medium sized bowl combine ground beef, panko, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt and egg. Mix until combined.
- Roll and cook: Roll into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs. In a large skillet heat olive oil and 1 Tablespoon butter. Add the meatballs and cook turning continuously until brown on each side and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
- Make the sauce: Add 4 Tablespoons butter and flour to skillet and whisk until it turns brown. Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Add worchestershire sauce and dijon mustard and bring to a simmer until sauce starts to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Add meatballs and simmer: Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Tips and Variations
- Meat: I love using a mix of beef and pork for these Swedish meatballs. The pork adds extra fat, making them incredibly moist and tender. If you prefer, ground turkey, chicken, or a combination can work beautifully too.
- Spices: Trust me, the nutmeg and allspice are what make these Swedish meatballs special. Don’t skip them if you want that authentic, divine flavor.
- Overmixing: Take it from me, be gentle when mixing your meat. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough, and we want them to stay tender.
- No Bread Crumbs? No Problem: If you’re out of bread crumbs, make a panade by blending two pieces of bread into crumbs and mixing with 1/4 cup milk to form a paste. Add an egg, mix it all up, and you’ll get the same great texture in your meatballs.
- Sauté for Sweetness: Sauté your onions first. It gives them a softer, sweeter flavor that really enhances the meatballs.
- Cream: Stick with heavy cream for the sauce to keep it smooth and rich. If you want to add a bit of tang, swap out some of the cream for sour cream—it’s a delicious twist.
Different Cooking Methods
- Baked: For a foolproof method, brown your Swedish meatballs in a skillet with oil and butter, then finish them in a 350°F oven. This ensures they’re cooked through without any pink.
- Slow Cooker: Try out this recipe in a slow cooker in a pinch! You an even use frozen meatballs Check out that recipe here: Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe.
Can You Freeze Swedish Meatballs?
Yes! One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s perfect for doubling up and freezing some for later. These tips will help you enjoy delicious meatballs anytime, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Freeze: After cooking the meatballs, place them on a cookie sheet, ensuring they don’t touch to prevent sticking. Freeze for 2-4 hours, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to use, you can thaw them in the microwave or oven. I prefer partially cooking them in the microwave and finishing them in the sauce.
- Don’t Freeze the Sauce: Dairy-based sauces, especially those with heavy cream, can separate and turn grainy when thawed. For best results, make the rich gravy fresh when you’re ready to serve.
- Freezer to Pan: You can also freeze the meatballs raw and cook them directly from frozen. They’ll take longer to cook through but will maintain their shape better than fresh ones. Just ensure they’re fully cooked with no pink remaining.
More Yummy Meatball Recipes
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The Best Swedish Meatballs
The Best Swedish Meatballs are smothered in the most amazing rich and creamy gravy. The meatballs are packed with such delicious flavor you will agree these are the BEST you have ever had!
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl combine ground beef, panko, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt and egg. Mix until combined.
- Roll into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs. In a large skillet heat olive oil and 1 Tablespoon butter. Add the meatballs and cook turning continuously until brown on each side and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
- Add 4 Tablespoons butter and flour to skillet and whisk until it turns brown. Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Add worchestershire sauce and dijon mustard and bring to a simmer until sauce starts to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Video
Notes
Originally Posted on August 18, 2016
Photos Updated on May 16, 2024
Nutrition
Calories: 499kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 17gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 162mgSodium: 712mgPotassium: 327mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 987IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!
HI…TY ..GREAT WE LOVED MY HUN WANTED THIS FOR FATHERS DAY….IT WAS GREAT!
I made these tonight but substituted ground pork for the ground beef as we prefer pork to beef.They were delicious.Didn’t have any allspice so added extra nutmeg.Still came out great served them with egg noodles but will serve the leftovers with mashed potatoes.The only reason we had leftovers is because there is just the two of us.Thanks for a great recipe!
Actually, I should have read further through comments. I see others have mentioned using frozen meatballs. I feel less guilty about asking the question. I occasionally see comment threads where someone has suggested a compromise that is received as a shocking assault on the integrity of a revered dish as if it were biblical in its offense.
Sometimes quick is just the rule of the day and “good enough” is the standard. Enjoyed the comments, and I’m looking forward to making this…perhaps tomorrow.
I apologize if this sounds sacrilegious, but…dont judge me…I’m curious if anyone has made this with frozen meatballs. I’m under no illusion that they would he as tasty, but I’m looking for a couple really quick meals, and my family likes a particular brand of frozen meatball, one we’ve used with several different quick preparations: spaghetti, meatball sandwiches, and a few combinations that probably shouldn’t exist in anyone’s repertoire of culinary efforts.
I love the sound of this sauce and serving them over egg noodles. I wonder if I cheat with the frozen meatballs on the front end if the sauce would still have a rich comfort feel to it.
Always looking for fast, feel-good favorites to get us all around the table between everyone’s hectic schedules.
They are amazing. My family does not like too many new thi gs and they went crazy for these. I am glad I doubled the recipe. This will be a fav that is requested alot. Thank you!
Thanks so much Alyssa for this delicious recipe. I had frozen Swedish meatballs from IKEA that I just needed a sauce to go with them and we love this recipe. It’s the best I’ve ever had! So savory and creamy! Looking forward to trying some of yours other recipes!
I plan to take this to a potluck dinner. Is it best to put the finished meatballs in a slow cooker on low with the sauce to transport? Keep meatballs and sauce separate? What do you advise?
Yes, I would transport with the sauce on low. Great idea! Everyone is going to love your meatballs!
Ove, love love it. My man is a gravy boy and he love this dish, with creamy mash.
I made these last night, everyone RAVED. So good, thank you for sharing. I will be honest I did use premade frozen meatballs from Costco to save time but that sauce is to die for. I have three teens at home so I was worried it wouldn’t be enough to feed five of us. I doubled the recipe and had plenty left over to freeze for another day.
Fabulous! Made this on a whim when my son said he felt like eating Swedish meatballs. Licked our plates clean. Thank you!
Try serving over Chow Mein noodles
I was happy to find that I already had all ingredients on hand. This was easy to make and delicious! I prepped the meatballs the night before and this was a quick weeknight dinner.
By far my favorite swedish meatball recipe. I’ve been using it ever since I found it! Always perfectly seasoned and deliciously tender meatballs, and the sauce, my goodness! You’d have to pay me to stop making this. I’ve tried the original recipe and one where I’ve swapped the Worcestershire sauce for a sauce called “Dave’s sauce” and both are great!
Awesome! I used low sodium beef broth and threw in a bit of fresh rosemary, paprika and substituted honey mustard for the dijon. Will be making again. So simple and good- thank you!
Oh god, not pasta or rice.
It’s either boiled potatoes or mashed potatoes.
I visited Ikea during a trip to Australia and realised most ill adviced people choose FRIES to go with meatballs, and skip Lingonberries to boot. Jesus. Just nooooo.
That’s like eating a pasta Carbonara with rice as a pasta substitution. Horrible. ???
YES it must be with potatoes
My favorite TV dinner is swedish meatballs so I decided to give it a try! I’m not the best cook, but this turned out amazing!! Great recipe! So long forever frozen TV dinners!