Swedish Meatballs are a classic comfort food, made from tender, flavorful meatballs in a creamy, rich gravy. Traditionally served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes or noodles, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal.
Swedish Meatball Recipe
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- ½ lb (225 g) ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp allspice
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
For the gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
To Make the Meatballs:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, milk, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Form meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Fry the meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.
To Make the Gravy:
- Make a roux: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly browned, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add broth and cream: Slowly whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
- Return meatballs to the gravy: Add the meatballs back to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them in the gravy. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes to heat through and absorb some of the flavors.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
- Traditionally, they’re paired with lingonberry jam for a touch of sweetness.
These Swedish meatballs are creamy, savory, and full of warm spices, making them a delicious comfort meal!