Irresistible Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe

Swedish meatballs are a delightful culinary embrace, transporting you to cozy family dinners filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of spices wafting through the air. Picture tiny, tender orbs of meat, coated in a rich, creamy gravy that beckons you to take just one more bite.

As I recall my first attempt at making these Swedish delights, my kitchen transformed into a mini version of IKEA, complete with a chaotic assembly process and more than a few humorous mishaps. The anticipation of serving these treasures at dinner made every mishap worth it.

One memorable occasion was when I served Swedish meatballs at my friend’s potluck. Everyone raved about them, and I basked in the glory of being the “meatball hero” for the night.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Opt for a mix of lean and fatty beef for juicy flavor.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and moisture to your meatball mixture.
• Breadcrumbs: Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture and absorbency.
• Onion: Finely chop for sweetness; sauté until translucent to enhance flavor.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder; use large eggs for best results.
• Milk: Whole milk keeps the meatballs tender and moist.
• Nutmeg: A pinch adds warmth; don’t go overboard or it can overpower.
• Sour Cream: Essential for the creamy sauce that elevates the dish.
• Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth for control over saltiness in your sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Just a dash adds zing to both the meatballs and sauce.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make swedish meatballs

Mixing the Meatball Mixture: Begin by gathering all your ingredients in a large bowl. Combine ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, chopped onion, eggs, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overworking it.

Forming Meatballs: With wet hands (to prevent sticking), scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter. Keep them uniform for even cooking.

Browning the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add oil or butter. Brown each meatball on all sides until golden brown; approximately 5-7 minutes should do the trick. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Making the Gravy Sauce: In the same skillet, add flour to any remaining fat; whisk continuously until golden brown. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add sour cream and Dijon mustard; simmer until slightly thickened.

Combining Meatballs with Sauce: Return browned meatballs to the skillet; coat them well with gravy. Simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes so flavors meld together beautifully.

Serving Your Delicious Creation!: Serve hot over mashed potatoes or noodles for an authentic experience! Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for color—and don’t forget to prepare extra napkins because things might get saucy!

Now you’re ready to impress family and friends alike with these delicious Swedish meatballs!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing the meat and seasonings, then shape the balls before frying them in batches. This sequence maximizes flavor and ensures even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap beef for turkey or add some grated cheese into the mix. Experimenting with spices can create your unique flavor profile.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on low heat to keep them juicy and tender.

Sharing my first attempt at making Swedish meatballs was hilarious—my friends thought I was preparing mini cannonballs! They loved them anyway, which made me feel like a culinary genius.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Swedish meatballs?

Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a lighter option without compromising taste.

What is the best way to serve Swedish meatballs?

Serve them with lingonberry sauce or over creamy mashed potatoes for an authentic experience.

How long can I store leftover Swedish meatballs?

Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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Delicious Swedish Meatballs

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Indulge in the comforting flavors of homemade Swedish meatballs, tender orbs of beef and pork wrapped in a luscious creamy gravy. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this easy recipe combines simple ingredients for an unforgettable dish that everyone will adore. Serve them over mashed potatoes or pasta, and watch as they become the star of your table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Swedish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup ground beef (lean)
• 1 cup ground pork
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup whole milk
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
• 2 tbsp flour (for gravy)
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, milk, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until just combined.
2. With wet hands, form the mixture into uniform meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add flour to remaining fat; whisk until golden brown. Gradually stir in beef broth while whisking to prevent lumps.
5. Mix in sour cream and Dijon mustard; simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Return meatballs to the skillet and coat with gravy; simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.
7. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or noodles, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 meatballs (150g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in grated cheese or swapping out beef for turkey. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.