Miley Adding Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe to your weeknight rotation is a great way to infuse a cozy classic with a little savory and creamy flavor. These Swedish meatballs are so soft and delicious, and they’re an especially perfect meal for winter!
Just to be clear, these are not Italian meatballs, they’re Swedish-style meatballs! I’ve taken classic meatballs and added plenty of warm spices to the tender meat mixture, and simmered the browned meatballs in a rich and savory cream sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Swedish meatballs bring comfort and ease together in one pan, and this version keeps everything simple.
Soft and juicy meatballs: Bread and egg keep the texture tender every time.
Creamy smooth sauce: Butter, flour, and broth blend into a rich gravy that coats everything nicely.
Quick to make: Dinner comes together without long prep or complicated steps.
Crowd friendly: Kids and adults both love the mild, cozy flavor.
Flexible serving: Pair with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice easily.
Classic taste: Nutmeg and allspice add warmth without overpowering.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 300 g ground beef mince
- 300 g ground pork mince
- 1 egg
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice powder
- 1 tablespoon oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the bread mixture
Place chopped bread into a bowl. Add grated onion and mix gently. Let it sit for a minute so the bread absorbs moisture. This step keeps the meatballs soft instead of dense.
2. Mix the meatball base
Add beef, pork, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice to the bowl. Use your hands to combine gently until everything looks evenly mixed. Avoid pressing too hard so the meat stays tender.
3. Shape the meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, even balls. Aim for bite sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy. Place them on a plate while you heat the pan.
4. Brown the meatballs
Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and turn them carefully until all sides turn golden. Remove them from the pan and set aside. They finish cooking later in the sauce.
5. Start the sauce base
Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, sprinkle in flour and stir constantly. Cook for about one minute until the mixture turns smooth and lightly golden.
6. Build the gravy
Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring. Keep mixing so no lumps form. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens and looks glossy.
7. Add cream and meatballs
Stir in heavy cream and return meatballs to the pan. Simmer gently until meatballs cook through and the sauce thickens around them. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Tips and Variations
Small tweaks can change this dish to match your table.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth.
- For extra richness, increase cream slightly.
- You can swap half the beef with more pork for softer meatballs.
- I sometimes keep the meatballs smaller because they soak up more sauce that way.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe tastes best served warm with something that holds sauce well. Mashed potatoes work perfectly and soak up every bit. Egg noodles or rice also pair nicely. Add a spoon of extra sauce over everything for a cozy plate.
When I serve this for family dinners, I keep it simple with steamed vegetables on the side. The balance feels just right without extra effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the meatballs and store them separately. Reheat gently in the sauce before serving.
Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?
Yes, freeze the meatballs without sauce for best texture. Add fresh sauce later.
Why use both beef and pork?
The mix keeps meatballs tender and flavorful.
Can I skip nutmeg or allspice?
Yes, though they add warmth. The dish still works without them.
How do I keep meatballs from drying out?
Avoid overmixing and simmer gently in sauce.
Final Thoughts
Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe brings calm comfort to the table without feeling heavy or complicated. The soft meatballs and creamy sauce work together in a way that always feels familiar and satisfying.
Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 2 slices white sandwich bread crusts removed and chopped
- 1 small onion finely grated
- 300 g ground beef mince
- 300 g ground pork mince
- 1 egg
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice powder
- 1 tablespoon oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the bread mixture: Place chopped bread into a bowl. Add grated onion and mix gently. Let it sit for a minute so the bread absorbs moisture. This step keeps the meatballs soft instead of dense.
- Mix the meatball base: Add beef, pork, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice to the bowl. Use your hands to combine gently until everything looks evenly mixed. Avoid pressing too hard so the meat stays tender.
- Shape the meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, even balls. Aim for bite sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy. Place them on a plate while you heat the pan.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and turn them carefully until all sides turn golden. Remove them from the pan and set aside. They finish cooking later in the sauce.
- Start the sauce base: Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, sprinkle in flour and stir constantly. Cook for about one minute until the mixture turns smooth and lightly golden.
- Build the gravy: Slowly pour in beef broth while stirring. Keep mixing so no lumps form. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens and looks glossy.
- Add cream and meatballs: Stir in heavy cream and return meatballs to the pan. Simmer gently until meatballs cook through and the sauce thickens around them. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
