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    Home Ā» Recipes Ā» All Recipes

    Swedish Meatballs Recipe

    April 24, 2023 Updated: April 24, 2023 By Katie Crenshaw 16 Comments

    Jump to 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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

    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.

    Swedish meatballs in gravy placed in a cast iron pan with wooden spoon to the side

    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!

    Swedish meatballs ingredients-ground beef, ground pork, beef broth, milk, nutmeg, all spice, egg yolk, bread crumbs, garlic, onion, butter, flour, beef broth, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce

    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 to make homemade Swedish meatballs

    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.

    steps to make homemade swedish meatballs sauce

    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.
    Cooking Swedish meatballs in cast iron pan with a wooden spoon picking up 2 meatballs to the side

    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.

    A plate of Swedish Meatballs over mashed potatoes with lingonberry sauce and cucumbers to the side

    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

    Swedish meatballs in gravy placed in a cast iron pan with wooden spoon to the side

    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.
    5 from 35 votes
    Print Pin Save Recipe Saved! Rate
    Course: Entree, Main Course
    Cuisine: Swedish
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 434kcal
    Author: Katie Crenshaw

    Ingredients

    Swedish Meatballs

    • 1 pound ground beef
    • ½ pound ground pork
    • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
    • ⅓ cup milk
    • 1 egg yolk
    • ½ cup onion grated or finely diced
    • ¼ teaspoon ground all spice
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 2 garlic cloves crushed

    Swedish Meatballs Sauce

    • ¼ cup butter
    • ¼ cup all purpose flour
    • 2 cups beef broth
    • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream see notes
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    Swedish Meatballs

    • In a large mixing bowl, mix panko bread crumbs and milk.
      ½ cup panko bread crumbs, ⅓ cup milk
    • Add ground beef, ground pork, onion, all spice, nutmeg, egg yolks, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and soaked bread crumbs. Gently mix until combined.
      1 pound ground beef, ½ pound ground pork, 1 egg yolk, ½ cup onion, ¼ teaspoon ground all spice, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon pepper
    • 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.

    Swedish Meatballs Sauce

    • In a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter on medium high heat.
      ¼ cup butter
    • Whisk in flour. Cook and stir continuously for 2- minutes or until golden brown.
      ¼ cup all purpose flour
    • Add in beef broth, whisking continuously until no lumps.
      2 cups beef broth
    • 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.
      1 cup whole milk or heavy cream, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • Add meatballs to the sauce and cook an additional 5 minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

    Video

    Notes

    Note:
    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.

    Nutrition- Nutrition info is based on estimation only.

    Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 908mg | Potassium: 455mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 309IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe? I want to see it!Mention @aForksTale or tag #aForksTale!

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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Amy Liu Dong

      July 24, 2023 at 5:38 am

      5 stars
      My husband saw this, and he asked me to make this dish for tonight's dinner. It was really good and tasty!

    2. Ann

      July 23, 2023 at 3:19 pm

      5 stars
      Such a classic meatball recipe. Swedish meatballs are always a great go to for a meal or even an appetizer.

    3. Dee

      June 05, 2023 at 5:56 am

      5 stars
      My daughter has been begging me for Swedish meatballs. I’m going to use your recipe. Thanks for sharing!

    4. Moop Brown

      June 05, 2023 at 3:20 am

      5 stars
      I love this style of meatballs and pairing them with a side of mashed potatoes as well. Your recipe for them looks really tasty and flavorful.

    5. Monica | Nourish and Fete

      June 05, 2023 at 3:02 am

      5 stars
      Swedish meatballs are seriously the best!! My kids love all meatballs, but these are their favorite by far, and I love making them because I know they'll be a huge hit. Comfort food at its most fabulous best!

    6. silvia

      June 04, 2023 at 11:54 pm

      5 stars
      So yummy. I'm always amazed by the different ways to make meatballs. My husband's family is from Sweden and I try to cook Swedish food now and then and these meatballs fit the bill. We loved them.

    7. Claire

      June 04, 2023 at 6:43 pm

      5 stars
      These meatballs were so good! And the recommendation to serve them over egg noodles was spot on (it's our new favorite way to eat them). We'll definitely be making these again soon!

    8. Carrie Robinson

      June 04, 2023 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      This has to be the most perfect comfort food recipe! šŸ™‚ I am loving everything about the sauce.

    9. Tristin

      June 03, 2023 at 5:35 pm

      5 stars
      Made this recipe a couple times for dinner. It comes out great every time and my family keeps begging g me to make it.

    10. Valentina Ottah

      May 31, 2023 at 12:01 pm

      5 stars
      These meatballs turned out so moist! I wasn't sure if it was worth the effort of making them from scratch, but I am so glad I made the effort. I also loved the flavor of the gravy.

    11. Jenny Graves

      May 31, 2023 at 8:01 am

      5 stars
      This Swedish meatballs recipe has some nuance to it. The result is a dish with deep satisfying flavor. Enjoy!

    12. Bernice

      May 29, 2023 at 5:15 pm

      5 stars
      These meatballs were OMG good! Firstly, I cannot ever resist any kind of meatball but especially a great classic recipe such as Swedish Meatballs. The whole family is already asking me to make them again!

    13. Gloria

      May 29, 2023 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe brings back childhood memories. Always a hit at the dinner table. Leftovers are great, so be sure to make a double batch.

    14. Jamie

      April 30, 2023 at 11:31 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my, this recipe looks amazingly delicious! It's a totally unique dish for me! The creamy sauce makes this so enticing and tempting to everyone! Loved it!

    15. Ann

      April 30, 2023 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      My family loves Swedish meatballs, especially over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. This was a very tasty recipe.

    16. Amy Liu Dong

      April 30, 2023 at 3:45 pm

      5 stars
      It looks like an easy and tasty dish to make for my family. Perfect for tonight's dinner.

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    Katie Crenshaw-A Fork's Tale

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