IKEA, eat your heart out—these delicious Swedish Meatballs will have you dancing the polska!
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I can only speak for myself when I say that I didn’t even know Swedish meatballs were a thing. It wasn’t until I visited an IKEA back in college. Now, I feel like I see them everywhere, from the grocer to the butcher and even Costco.
Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, if you want to sound like you know your stuff, are not like Italian meatballs. Aside from their shape, they really don’t have much else in common. For one, Swedish meatballs are seasoned with allspice and nutmeg, giving them a distinct flavor. These savory bites are also usually served with creamy gravy and lingonberry jam if you can find it (or make it). So, if you’re a fan of comfort foods like beef stroganoff, Swedish meatballs are worth a try!
Are Swedish Meatballs Healthy?
Swedish meatballs aren’t inherently healthy due to their fat content. If you’d prefer a healthier take, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the pork and beef. You can also use whole-wheat breadcrumbs and reduce the heavy cream in the sauce by using half and half—yogurt also works.
Why Beef Broth?
Considering you need two cups of beef broth for this recipe, it’s a pretty important ingredient. Beef broth adds a deep, savory richness that complements the meat’s natural flavors. The broth blends with the butter and flour mixture to create a velvety coating. Without beef broth, the sauce would lack the depth that makes Swedish meatballs so delicious! Feel free to use low-sodium beef broth, but definitely don’t leave it out of this recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Mix
Prepare meatball mixture and form into balls.
Brown
Cook meatballs until browned.
Simmer
Make gravy in the same skillet and simmer meatballs until done.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
You can make the meatballs in advance. Brown them and then store them in an airtight container. They should be good in the fridge for up to 5 days. I suppose you could make the sauce ahead as well, but it really tastes best when you make it fresh.
Yes, but without the sauce. Freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for at least 3 months.
Absolutely! Your meatballs should be just as tasty.
Serving Suggestions
Swedish meatballs are typically served with Mashed Potatoes or Egg Noodles because they help soak up the delicious gravy. Also, no meal is complete without veggies, so serve up some roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts or Easy Sautéed Broccoli. And don’t forget the lingonberry jam!
Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
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In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, milk, egg, allspice, nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
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Add ground beef, ground pork, and onion to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
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Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
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Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add flour to the remaining butter and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
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Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, bring to a simmer. Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until cooked through.
Nutrition
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