Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Swedish Meatballs are a comforting classic known for their tender texture and rich, creamy gravy. This dish blends warmed spices with a savory sauce, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner. Serve them over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or enjoy with a side of lingonberry jam for an authentic touch.

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ yellow onion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 lb. ground chicken (or any combination of chicken, turkey, beef, and pork)
• 1½ lbs. ground chuck
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (¾ stick)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 14.5 oz. low sodium beef broth (1 can)
• 14.5 oz. low-sodium chicken broth (1 can)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp beef instant bouillon granules (e.g., Wyler’s)
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1-2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
• Cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two large baking sheets with foil and spray the foil with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, milk, heavy cream, egg, kosher salt, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and fresh parsley. Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the milk to soak into the breadcrumbs.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer this mixture to the breadcrumb bowl.
4. Step 4: Add the ground chuck and ground chicken to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon until well combined.
5. Step 5: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Step 6: Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
7. Step 7: While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
8. Step 8: Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture darkens slightly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
9. Step 9: Gradually whisk in beef broth, chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and black pepper. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
10. Step 10: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer gently, stirring often, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
11. Step 11: Serve Swedish Meatballs hot over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or macaroni. Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, you can substitute ground turkey or pork for the ground chicken or chuck.
• Use fresh bread crumbs if possible; soak them well to keep meatballs moist.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, strain the gravy before adding meatballs.
• Lingonberry jam is the traditional accompaniment, but cranberry sauce is a great substitute.
• To keep meatballs extra tender, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and gravy together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking. You can also make the sauce ahead and reheat both together when ready to serve.

What can I serve with Swedish meatballs?

Swedish meatballs pair wonderfully with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. A spoonful of lingonberry or cranberry sauce on the side adds a slight sweetness that balances the savory flavors.