Homemade Swedish Meatballs with That Creamy, Addictive Sauce

 

Craving a comforting and delicious meal that’s ready in under an hour? Look no further than these Homemade Swedish Meatballs! Silky textures meet savory spices in a dish perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Inspired by classic Swedish comfort food, let’s explore this culinary magic!

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Swedish Meatballs

These Swedish Meatballs are not just delicious, they are:

• Ready in under 60 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfectly balanced with creamy and savory flavors.
• Budget-friendly with simple, accessible ingredients.
• Easier to make than you might think – great for beginner cooks!
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
• Creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.
• Versatile – serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice.
• Rekindles cozy family memories with every bite.

Ingredients Needed for Swedish Meatballs

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delectable Swedish meatballs:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup (50g) bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
• 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Selection Tips: Opt for ground beef with a good amount of marbling for a more flavorful meatball. Freshly minced garlic makes a big difference! For the spices, toast them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to unlock their full flavor.

Sourcing: Look for high-quality beef broth for the best sauce flavor. Fresh parsley is easily found at most grocery stores or farmer’s markets.

Essential Equipment List

Make sure you have these essential tools for the best Swedish meatball experience:

• Large Bowl: For mixing the meatball ingredients.
• Baking Sheet or Plate: To hold the meatballs before cooking.
• Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet ensures even browning of the meatballs and room for the sauce.
• Whisk: For creating a smooth and lump-free creamy sauce.
• Spatula: To easily flip the meatballs and stir the sauce.

Optional: A food processor can speed up the process of chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. No rolling pin? Use a bottle to flatten the ingredients. A heavy pot retains heat best for consistent cooking.

Recipe Details

• • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 6

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• Difficulty: Medium

Scale up for a crowd; halve for solo dining.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Swedish Meatballs

Follow these detailed instructions for guaranteed success:

Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and allspice.
2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Form the Meatballs

1. Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs.
2. Place them on a plate or baking sheet.

Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Add Broth

1. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to smooth out any lumps.
2. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Simmer and Thicken

1. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Finish the Sauce

1. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Heat through, but do not boil.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and stir gently to coat.
2. Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
2. Serve the Swedish meatballs with creamy sauce over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Too thick? Thin the sauce with more beef broth; lumpy? Strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.

CHECK OUT: Porcupine Meatballs– A nostalgic dinner that everyone loves again!

Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to elevate your Swedish meatball game:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture leads to tough meatballs. Mix just until combined.
• Brown the Meatballs: Achieving a good sear on the meatballs adds depth of flavor to the entire dish.
• Low and Slow: Simmering the sauce on low heat ensures it thickens without burning.
• Taste as You Go: Season the sauce gradually, tasting as you add salt and pepper, to achieve the perfect balance.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley as a garnish not only adds flavor but also a pop of color.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize your Swedish meatballs to your liking:

• Creamy Cashew Sauce: For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
• Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter version.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Homemade Swedish Meatballs

Complete your meal with these delicious pairings:

• Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Egg Noodles: Another great option for serving the meatballs.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted root vegetables adds a healthy touch.

Pair with sparkling apple cider to cut the richness. This is a fall feast stunner! Stack meatballs high and drizzle sauce artfully.

Health Benefits

These Swedish meatballs offer more than just great taste:

• Protein: Ground beef provides essential protein for muscle building and repair.
• Iron: Beef is also a good source of iron, which is important for energy levels.
• Vitamins: The ingredients contribute to your intake of B vitamins and other essential nutrients.

Storage & Reheating

Extend the deliciousness with these storage tips:

• Storage: Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Cool meatballs and sauce fully before sealing to prevent spoilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions and answers to help you along the way:

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just ensure you have a large enough skillet to cook the meatballs in batches.

How do I avoid dry meatballs?

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, and don’t overcook the meatballs. They should be browned on the outside and cooked through, but still tender.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for ground beef, but the flavor will be slightly different.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used as a substitute for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich and thick.

How do I make the sauce gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 600mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 25g

Exact stats need a nutrition calculator. Carbs: 20g from wholesome grains.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more comforting and flavorful meals? Try these gems!

• Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff – An extra creamy dish thanks to a secret ingredient.
• Easy White Chicken Chili – A hearty and flavorful twist on classic chili.
• One Pot Gnocchi Chicken Pot Pie – A delicious and comforting classic made easier!

Conclusion

These Homemade Swedish Meatballs are fast, flavorful, and a definite crowd-pleaser. Whip them up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece!

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