Swedish Meatballs Recipe

This Swedish meatballs recipe combines seasoned ground beef and pork into tender meatballs, then serves them smothered in a rich, creamy sauce over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Everyone raves about IKEA's Swedish meatballs, but honestly I wasn't that impressed. I didn't understand the big hype.

This homemade version is 100 times better.... I promise.

These homemade meatballs are juicy and tender with the signature nutmeg and allspice flavor. They are also smothered in a creamy, buttery gravy that is to-die-for... I mean it is sooooooo good!

Watch how to make

While this homemade dish is a bit of a labor of love, it is so worth it.

Your family and friends will appreciate all the work you put into making this meal with every bite. Don't be surprised if they ask you to make it again and again!

What are Swedish Meatballs Made of?

You will need the following ingredients to make Swedish meatballs.

Swedish Meatball Ingredients:

• ground beef and ground pork- This is the traditional Swedish meatball combination that offers that tasty flavor and juiciness. You can substitute with turkey or chicken, but they will not be as tender or as flavorful.
• panko bread crumbs- You can substitute with 2 bread slices or plain bread crumbs. Do not use Italian breadcrumbs because the seasonings will change the flavor of the dish and clash with the added spices.
• milk-helps retain the moisture in the meatballs
• egg yolk-Helps bind the meatballs.
• onion-Finely dice or grate the onion. Larger chunks may contribute to the meatballs falling a part. You can substitute with onion powder or dried onion flakes.
• crushed garlic clove- You can substitute with garlic powder.
• all spice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper-These are the signature spices found in Swedish meatballs that set them apart from other meatballs.

Swedish Meatball Sauce Ingredients:

• butter-Use unsalted butter if you are watching your salt intake. Do not use margarine.
• flour-Used to thicken the gravy sauce.
• beef broth
• whole milk or cream- Do not use low fat or skim milk. I prefer whole milk for a nice thick sauce texture without becoming a thick gravy. Whole milk for the sauce is a better option if you are serving the meatballs over egg noodles. However, if you want a thicker "gravy" like sauce, then use heavy cream. You might prefer this if you are making the Swedish meatballs to serve over mashed potatoes.
• Worcestershire sauce-Adds tasty flavor.
• Dijon Mustard- Adds incredible flavor. Do not substitute with yellow mustard, grain mustard, or mustard powder.

*Full recipe with measurements can be found at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Steps

Make the meatballs.

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix panko bread crumbs and milk.
2. Add ground beef, ground pork, onion, all spice, nutmeg, egg yolks, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and soaked bread crumbs. Gently mix until combined.
3. Form medium sized meatballs and add them to a large parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees or until the internal temperature reaches 160° F. While the meatballs bake, create the sauce.

Tip: If you have time, chill your meat mixture 20 minutes or more before shaping. This cold temperature will help firm the meat making it easier to shape into balls. It also helps keeping their form together when cooking.

Make the sauce.

1. In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter on medium high heat.
2. Whisk in flour. Cook and stir continuously for 2- minutes or until golden brown.
3. Add in beef broth, whisking continuously until no lumps.
4. Stir in whole milk, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard until completely combined. Cook until sauce thickens. (About 5-10 minutes). Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add meatballs to the sauce and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

Can you use frozen meatballs?

While homemade meatballs are always the best, this recipe is still delicious with frozen meatballs.

However, use the "Homestyle" meatballs and do not use the Italian frozen meatballs. The Italian frozen meatballs flavor will clash with the Swedish meatball sauce.

Note:

To Use Frozen Meatballs: Thaw the frozen meatballs. Make the homemade Swedish meatball sauce according to directions. Cook the meatballs in the sauce for 10 minutes to allow the meatballs to absorb the flavor of the sauce.

Traditionally, Lingonberry sauce is served with Swedish meatballs. The tart sweetness compliments the richness of the sauce.

Lingonberry sauce can be hard to find here locally in our stores. If you cannot find the sauce, you can pair the meatballs with raspberry preserves or cranberry sauce.

Like this recipe? Try these:

• Lamb Meatballs
• Homemade Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
• Dill Cucumber Salad

Recipe