Authentic Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g ground beef
  • 250g ground pork
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 100g breadcrumbs
  • 250ml milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 3 tablespoons of flour
  • 500ml beef broth
  • 100ml heavy cream

Steps and instructions

  1. Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and the breadcrumb-milk mixture. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into small, round meatballs. Place these on a tray lined with parchment paper.
  4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add the flour and cook for a minute until it turns slightly brown. Gradually whisk in the beef broth. Bring this to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir until the sauce is well mixed.
  7. Return the meatballs to the skillet. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes.
  8. Once done, serve the Swedish meatballs with the sauce on top. They can be served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, according to preference.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the meatball ingredients.
  • Skillet - A large frying pan for cooking the meatballs and preparing the sauce.
  • Small Bowl - A bowl for soaking the breadcrumbs in milk.
  • Tray or Parchment Paper - A tray lined with parchment paper to place the formed meatballs.
  • Whisk - Used to mix and incorporate the flour and beef broth for the sauce.
  • Spatula - To help flip and remove the meatballs from the skillet.

Recipe variations

  • Use a combination of ground beef and ground veal instead of ground beef and ground pork.
  • Add grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for an extra savory flavor.
  • Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
  • Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to the meatball mixture for added freshness.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the ground meat with a mixture of cooked and mashed chickpeas and cooked quinoa.
  • Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika or cumin to give the meatballs a unique flavor profile.
  • Try serving the Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy accompaniment.

Recipe overview

Transport your taste buds to Scandinavia with this authentic Swedish Meatballs recipe. This dish is the perfect blend of savory flavors, combining tender pork and beef meatballs with a rich, creamy, and slightly tangy gravy. The meatballs, seasoned with traditional spices like nutmeg and allspice, are pan-seared to perfection and then simmered in the gravy for an extra infusion of flavor. The recipe is relatively easy to follow, making it perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions. The resulting dish is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful meal that is best served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice. So why wait? Indulge in the gastronomic delight that is Swedish meatballs and give this recipe a try.

Common questions

  1. Can I use only ground beef instead of a mixture of beef and pork? No, using a mixture of beef and pork adds flavor and moisture to the meatballs. It is recommended to use both for the best results.
  2. Can I substitute the breadcrumbs with something else for a gluten-free version? Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.
  3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them? Yes, you can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
  4. Can I freeze the cooked meatballs? Yes, you can freeze the cooked meatballs. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  5. Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef and pork? Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey as a substitute for the beef and pork, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the meatballs will be different.
  6. Can I make the sauce without heavy cream? Yes, you can omit the heavy cream if desired. However, the cream adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
  7. Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth? Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a substitute for beef broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of the recipe.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Skillet - A large skillet or frying pan to cook the meatballs.
  • Tray - A tray lined with parchment paper to place the formed meatballs.
  • Whisk - A whisk to stir and combine the flour, beef broth, and cream for the sauce.
  • Spatula - A spatula to flip and remove the meatballs from the skillet.
  • Small Bowl - A small bowl to combine breadcrumbs and milk.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups to accurately measure ingredients like milk and cream.
  • Knife - A knife to finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Origin stories

While many people associate Swedish meatballs with the popular furniture store IKEA, their history stretches way back in time. The recipe was brought home by King Charles XII of Sweden after a five-year exile in Turkey in the early 18th century. The dish, known as "köttbullar" in Sweden, quickly became a beloved staple in Swedish homes. Interestingly, the Swedish National Food Administration caused quite a stir in 2018 when they declared via Twitter that Swedish meatballs actually originated from Turkey. The tweet sparked discussions on food origins and cultural exchange, adding another layer to the fascinating history of this iconic dish.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.