Meatballs & Meatloaf

Swedish Meatballs

Name: Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) allspice; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) all-purpose flour; 1 egg; 1/4 cup (60g) milk; 2 tbsp (30g) butter; 1 cup (250ml) beef broth; 1/2 cup (125ml) heavy cream; 2 tbsp (30g) Dijon mustard; 1 tsp (5g) Worcestershire sauce

By Sam Carter · June 18, 2026 · Meatballs & Meatloaf

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I had Swedish meatballs - it was at a family gathering, and my aunt had made them from scratch. The combination of flavors and textures was just magical. Since then, I've been perfecting my own recipe, and I'm excited to share it with you. Swedish meatballs are a staple of comfort food, and for good reason: they're easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a busy weeknight.

The key to great Swedish meatballs is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overcomplicate the recipe. You'll need some ground beef, pork, and a few pantry staples, but other than that, it's just a matter of following a few simple steps. I love serving these meatballs over egg noodles, but you can also serve them with mashed potatoes or even as a sub sandwich.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them, or you can make the entire dish from start to finish in under an hour. Either way, you'll end up with a delicious, satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

So why do I love Swedish meatballs so much? For one, they're just so comforting. There's something about the combination of the tender meatballs, the creamy gravy, and the buttery egg noodles that just feels like a warm hug. Plus, they're incredibly easy to make, and they're perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something quick and delicious.

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of ground beef and pork to give the meatballs a rich, meaty flavor. We'll also be adding some onion, garlic, and allspice to give them a bit of depth and warmth. And of course, no Swedish meatballs would be complete without a creamy, savory gravy to serve them in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Swedish meatballs are incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner.
They're perfect for a weeknight dinner when you need something quick and delicious.
You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later.
The dish is incredibly versatile - you can serve the meatballs with egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or even as a sub sandwich.
The creamy, savory gravy is just amazing - it's the perfect complement to the tender meatballs.
This recipe is budget-friendly and makes a large batch of meatballs, perfect for feeding a crowd.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great Swedish meatballs is to cook them at the right temperature. If you cook them too high, they'll be tough and dry; if you cook them too low, they'll be soggy and undercooked. By cooking them at a medium-high heat, you'll get a nice brown crust on the outside and a tender, juicy interior.

Another important thing to keep in mind when making Swedish meatballs is to not overmix the meat. If you overmix, the meatballs will be dense and tough; if you undermix, they'll be too loose and fall apart. By mixing the meat just until it comes together, you'll get a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

The gravy is also an important part of the dish. By using a combination of beef broth and heavy cream, you'll get a rich, creamy sauce that's perfect for serving over the meatballs. And by adding a bit of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, you'll get a depth of flavor that's just amazing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Swedish meatballs, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important thing is to use high-quality ground beef and pork - this will give the meatballs a rich, meaty flavor. You'll also need some pantry staples like onion, garlic, and allspice, as well as some beef broth and heavy cream for the gravy.

When shopping for ingredients, be sure to look for ground beef and pork that are fresh and have a good balance of fat and lean meat. You'll also want to use a high-quality beef broth and heavy cream to give the gravy a rich, creamy flavor.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for ground beef that is fresh and has a good balance of fat and lean meat. You can also use a combination of ground beef and pork for added flavor.
1/2 lb (225g) ground porkGround pork adds a richness and depth of flavor to the meatballs. You can also use ground veal or a combination of ground meats if you prefer.
1 medium onion, finely choppedUse a sweet onion like Vidalia or Maui for the best flavor. You can also use shallots or scallions if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungency and depth of flavor to the meatballs. You can also use garlic powder or garlic salt if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) allspiceAllspice adds a warm, slightly sweet flavor to the meatballs. You can also use nutmeg or cinnamon if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) saltUse a high-quality salt like kosher or sea salt for the best flavor. You can also use salt-free seasoning if you're on a low-sodium diet.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a nice depth of flavor to the meatballs. You can also use white pepper or green pepper if you prefer.
1/4 cup (60g) all-purpose flourFlour helps to bind the meatballs together and gives them a nice texture. You can also use bread crumbs or oats if you prefer.
1 eggThe egg helps to bind the meatballs together and adds moisture and richness. You can also use an egg substitute if you're on a low-cholesterol diet.
1/4 cup (60g) milkMilk adds moisture and tenderness to the meatballs. You can also use buttermilk or cream if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) butterButter adds a rich, creamy flavor to the gravy. You can also use oil or margarine if you prefer.
1 cup (250ml) beef brothBeef broth adds a deep, meaty flavor to the gravy. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth if you prefer.
1/2 cup (125ml) heavy creamHeavy cream adds a rich, creamy texture to the gravy. You can also use half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer.
2 tbsp (30g) Dijon mustardDijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the gravy. You can also use yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard if you prefer.
1 tsp (5g) Worcestershire sauceWorcestershire sauce adds a deep, savory flavor to the gravy. You can also use soy sauce or tamari if you prefer.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenMeatball scoop or small ice cream scoopWooden spoon or spatulaInstant-read thermometerColander or strainerLarge bowlWhisk

How to Make Swedish Meatballs

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, allspice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined.
3
Add the flour, egg, and milk to the bowl and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
4
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
5
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
6
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned on the outside.
7
While the meatballs are baking, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet and whisk until smooth.
8
Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly and reduced by about half.
9
When the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and carefully place them in the skillet with the gravy.
10
Simmer the meatballs in the gravy for 2-3 minutes, or until they are fully coated and heated through.
11
Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or dill if desired.
12
Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are served with egg noodles, but you can also serve them with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or pickled cucumbers.
13
To serve, place a few meatballs on each plate, then spoon some of the creamy gravy over the top.
14
Enjoy your delicious homemade Swedish meatballs!

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overmix the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough and dense.
Use a thermometer to ensure the meatballs are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the meatballs, as this can cause them to steam instead of brown.
Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes to allow it to thicken and reduce, which will give it a richer flavor.
You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later use. Simply thaw and reheat in the gravy when you're ready to serve.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices to give the meatballs a unique flavor. Some options include nutmeg, cardamom, or dried thyme.
To make the dish more substantial, serve the Swedish meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.
For a special occasion, serve the Swedish meatballs with a side of lingonberry jam or pickled cucumbers for a traditional Swedish touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatballs tough and dense.
Not cooking the meatballs to a safe internal temperature, which can cause foodborne illness.
Overcrowding the skillet, which can cause the meatballs to steam instead of brown.
Not letting the gravy simmer for long enough, which can result in a thin, watery sauce.
Not using high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not serving the dish hot, which can cause the meatballs to dry out and the gravy to congeal.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
Use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground lamb, for a unique flavor.
Add some grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, to the meat mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
Use different types of broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, for a lighter flavor.
Add some dried herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to the meat mixture for a savory flavor.
Serve the Swedish meatballs with a side of lingonberry jam or pickled cucumbers for a traditional Swedish touch.
Use a combination of all-purpose flour and bread crumbs to give the meatballs a lighter texture.

What to Serve With Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, they are served with egg noodles, but you can also serve them with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or pickled cucumbers.

Some other options for serving Swedish meatballs include serving them as a sub sandwich, with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad, or as a topping for a bed of noodles or rice.

Egg noodlesMashed potatoesLingonberry jamPickled cucumbersRoasted vegetablesGreen salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Swedish meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. To store in the refrigerator, place the cooked meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, place the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen meatballs to an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the gravy over low heat until warmed through.

It's also possible to make the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. To store in the refrigerator, place the gravy in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To freeze, place the gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen gravy overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature of cooked Swedish meatballs?

The internal temperature of cooked Swedish meatballs should be at least 160°F (71°C).

Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Swedish meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

What is the best way to serve Swedish meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with egg noodles, but you can also serve them with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or pickled cucumbers.

Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can use different types of ground meat, such as ground turkey or ground lamb, for a unique flavor.

How do I prevent the meatballs from drying out?

To prevent the meatballs from drying out, make sure to not overcook them and to keep them moist with a little bit of oil or broth.

Can I freeze the gravy?

Yes, you can freeze the gravy for later use. Simply place the gravy in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat the Swedish meatballs?

To reheat the Swedish meatballs, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the gravy over low heat until warmed through.

What is the best way to store Swedish meatballs?

The best way to store Swedish meatballs is to place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

The Full Recipe

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