By This The Best Swedish Meatballs balances hearty flavor with a straightforward process, so you get a reliable, delicious result every time.
The Best Swedish Meatballs captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, The Best Swedish Meatballs becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Gravy:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
PREPARATION STEPS
Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg.
Mix everything together until well combined. Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Gravy:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the flour turns golden brown.
Slowly whisk in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce. Let the gravy cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Meatballs and Gravy:
Add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the gravy. Let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve:
Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Why You’ll Love These:
Tender meatballs made with a mix of beef and pork for the perfect texture
Creamy, flavorful gravy that takes this dish to the next level
Comfort food at its finest – perfect for any occasion
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
