Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite comfort foods—Swedish Meatballs! Every time I whip up a batch of these delightful morsels, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom would serve them at family gatherings. The smell of that savory meat, combined with the creamy sauce, had everyone rushing to the table. It’s comfort food at its best!
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. These meatballs are perfect for dinner, but they also make fabulous leftovers—if they last that long! And let’s be honest, there’s nothing wrong with sneaking a couple of cold meatballs from the fridge during a late-night snack attack. Let’s dive into this cozy recipe together!
What’s in Swedish Meatballs?
Ground Beef: The heart of these meatballs, ground beef brings rich flavor and a juicy texture. I like using 80/20 beef for that perfect balance of flavor and moisture.
Ground Pork: This adds a wonderful tenderness and a hint of sweetness to the mix. It’s like the secret ingredient of meatballs, and trust me, you don’t want to skip it!
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the meatballs and keep them moist. You can use plain or seasoned ones; both work like a charm.
Milk: Just a splash helps to soften the breadcrumbs, making the meatballs light and fluffy—no one likes a dense meatball!
Onion: Finely chopped to bring a subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor. I recommend yellow onions, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try shallots!
Egg: Acts as a binder, keeping everything together, so you don’t end up with meatball mush.
Allspice and Nutmeg: These warm spices give the meatballs a signature flavor that just screams comfort—so aromatic and heavenly!
Fresh Parsley: Not only does it add a splash of color, but it also brightens up the flavor. Use fresh if you can; dried doesn’t really do it justice.
Butter and Flour: Used to create a roux for that creamy sauce. It’s what takes this dish from good to absolutely sensational.
Beef Broth: This forms the base of our sauce, adding depth and richness. I always opt for low-sodium to control the seasoning.
Heavy Cream: For that luscious, smooth texture. It’s indulgent and makes everything incredibly creamy—yum!
Soy Sauce: Just a tablespoon adds umami and enhances the savory flavors.
Is Swedish Meatballs Good for You?
Now, I wouldn’t exactly call these meatballs a health food, but they can definitely fit into a balanced diet!
Ground Beef & Ground Pork: While they provide excellent protein and iron, moderation is key. Try to choose leaner cuts when possible.
Breadcrumbs: A great source of carbs, but if you’re watching your carbs, you could substitute with crushed oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Heavy Cream: It brings all the creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even blend in some Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
In the end, enjoy these delicious Swedish Meatballs as a treat every so often. They’re perfect for a cozy night in or a special family dinner!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves about 4 people, so you can impress your family or invite your friends over for a cozy dinner.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs?
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the mixture—nobody wants tough meatballs!
2. Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a tray and admire your handiwork (I always do!).
3. In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. In that same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, and ahh, the smell!
6. Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-5 minutes until thickened.
7. Return the meatballs to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Let them cook in the sauce for a few minutes to heat through and get all cozy together.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot—ideally with mashed potatoes or a spoonful of tangy lingonberry sauce for that authentic Swedish flair!
Serving Suggestions and Tips
As far as serving suggestions go, these meatballs are divine on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes, but don’t stop there! If you want to go classic, serve them with some warm lingonberry sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with buttered noodles or even a fresh green salad for a little crunch.
And here’s a little pro tip: Feel free to make a double batch and freeze the extras! They reheat beautifully and make for an easy weeknight meal.
I hope you give these Swedish Meatballs a try! There’s something so comforting about a warm plate of them, and I bet they’ll bring a smile to your face just like they do for me. I’d love to hear how they turn out for you—happy cooking!
