Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Swedish meatballs are a beloved comfort food, with their tender, flavorful meat and creamy sauce. Whether you’re serving them over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles, this dish is sure to impress. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make perfect Swedish meatballs that are juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich, savory sauce. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to get the perfect texture, serving ideas, and variations for personalizing the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Swedish meatballs recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a comforting, homemade dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining. The combination of beef and pork makes for flavorful, tender meatballs, while the creamy sauce adds a luscious richness that elevates the dish. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is foolproof!

Ingredients for Swedish Meatballs

To make the perfect Swedish meatballs, you’ll need a mix of ground meats, seasonings, and bread for texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 slice soft bread
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/2 lb ground beef (225g)
• 1/2 lb ground pork (225g)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

These ingredients create a balance of flavors and textures, ensuring your meatballs are tender and well-seasoned.

Ingredients for Swedish Meatball Sauce

The sauce is just as important as the meatballs. Creamy, savory, and slightly tangy, it coats the meatballs in a rich, flavorful layer.

• 1 ½ cups low-sodium beef broth (360ml)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or sour cream) (120ml)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

this RECIPE

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Swedish Meatballs

Making Swedish meatballs is straightforward, but the key to getting them just right is not overworking the mixture and ensuring they’re cooked thoroughly. Follow these simple steps for the best results:

1. Prepare the Bread Crumbs

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Tear the soft bread into small pieces and place them in a food processor. Pulse until the bread turns into fine crumbs.
• Mix the crumbs with 2 tablespoons of water and let them sit for a few minutes to soften.

2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and the soaked bread crumbs.
• Gently mix everything together with your hands or a spatula, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.

3. Shape the Meatballs

• Shape the meat mixture into 1.5 to 2-inch balls, depending on your preference. For smaller meatballs, aim for 1-inch. You should get around 20 to 30 meatballs in total.

4. Bake the Meatballs

• Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart.
• Bake them for 10-15 minutes, depending on their size, until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C) in the center. This ensures that the meatballs are fully cooked while remaining juicy.

How to Make the Creamy Swedish Meatball Sauce

While the meatballs bake, you can prepare the sauce that will take this dish to the next level.

1. Whisk the Sauce Ingredients

• In a large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the beef broth, heavy cream (or sour cream), Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, garlic, parsley, salt, thyme, pepper, and nutmeg.

2. Cook the Sauce

• Pour the sauce mixture into a large skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking or separating.
• Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

3. Add the Meatballs

• Once the sauce has thickened, add the baked meatballs to the skillet.
• Stir the meatballs gently to coat them in the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes until they are heated through and the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

Tips for Perfect Swedish Meatballs

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
• Check for Doneness: Using a meat thermometer ensures your meatballs are cooked perfectly. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
• Use Both Beef and Pork: The combination of beef and pork creates the best flavor and texture balance. If you prefer, you can swap the pork for more beef, but the flavor won’t be as rich.

Serving Suggestions for Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with either mashed potatoes or egg noodles, both of which soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. You can also serve them with steamed vegetables or a side of lingonberry sauce for a more authentic Swedish experience.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect match for the rich sauce.
• Egg Noodles: These noodles offer a chewy texture that pairs well with the meatballs and sauce.
• Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier twist, serve your meatballs over a bed of rice or quinoa.

Storing and Reheating Swedish Meatballs

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! Swedish meatballs store well and are just as delicious the next day.

To Store:

• Store the meatballs and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Reheat:

• Warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Swedish Meatballs

• Overworking the Meat Mixture: This can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Mix just until combined.
• Skipping the Bread Crumbs: The bread crumbs help to bind the meatballs and keep them soft. Don’t skip this step.
• Not Using a Thermometer: Cooking the meatballs until they reach 160°F (71°C) ensures they are safe to eat while still being juicy.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

While this is a classic Swedish meatball recipe, you can easily make it your own with a few tweaks:

• Use Ground Turkey: Swap the beef and pork for ground turkey to make a lighter version of the dish.
• Add Spices: Customize the flavor by adding spices like allspice or paprika for a little kick.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread crumbs to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.

FAQs About Swedish Meatballs

Can I freeze Swedish meatballs? Yes! You can freeze the meatballs after baking but before adding them to the sauce. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw and add them to the sauce to heat through.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free? Simply substitute the regular bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What can I serve with Swedish meatballs besides mashed potatoes or noodles? Rice, quinoa, or a side salad all make great alternatives to the traditional mashed potatoes or noodles.

Conclusion

Swedish meatballs are a true comfort food, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. With this easy recipe, you can create tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a creamy sauce that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious, easy-to-make dishes!

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