Homemade Swedish Meatballs – A Classic Comfort Dish

Introduction

Swedish meatballs, or “Köttbullar,” are a timeless Scandinavian classic that has won the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Known for their rich and creamy sauce, these homemade Swedish meatballs offer a perfect balance of spices and tender meat, making them an irresistible comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner, a holiday favorite, or a meal to impress your guests, this recipe delivers in flavor and tradition.

Unlike store-bought versions, homemade Swedish meatballs allow you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, more flavorful dish. The combination of ground beef and pork, seasoned with nutmeg and allspice, creates a deliciously warm and mildly sweet flavor. Served with a luscious, buttery gravy over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, this dish is the definition of comfort on a plate.

The History of Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs have a long and fascinating history. Though commonly associated with Sweden, they are believed to have been inspired by Turkish kofta, brought back to Sweden by King Charles XII in the early 18th century. Over the years, the dish evolved into its own unique Scandinavian version, incorporating local ingredients such as lingonberries and cream-based sauces. Today, it remains a staple in Swedish cuisine, often served during festive occasions and family gatherings.

Let’s dive into the history, benefits, and step-by-step guide to making the best homemade Swedish meatballs right in your kitchen.

Why Make This Recipe

1. Authentic Flavor: This recipe captures the essence of traditional Swedish meatballs with the perfect blend of spices.
2. Better Than IKEA: Love the famous IKEA meatballs? These homemade ones are fresher, juicier, and richer in flavor.
3. Comfort Food at Its Best: The creamy sauce and tender meatballs make for a perfect cozy meal.
4. Versatile: Serve them over mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
5. Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a great meal for gatherings.
6. Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be prepped in advance and frozen for future meals.
7. Healthier Alternative: By making them at home, you can control the quality of the ingredients, reducing preservatives and excess sodium.

How to Make Homemade Swedish Meatballs

Making homemade Swedish meatballs involves three key steps:

1. Preparing the Meatball Mixture: Combining beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, and spices for a well-balanced taste.
2. Cooking the Meatballs: Pan-frying for a crispy exterior before finishing them in the sauce.
3. Making the Creamy Gravy: Using beef broth, heavy cream, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce for an indulgent finish.

By following these simple steps, you’ll achieve perfectly juicy meatballs coated in a rich, velvety sauce.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
• 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Creamy Gravy:

• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lingonberry jam (traditional Swedish pairing)

Directions

1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Here is a unique and plagiarism-free version of the text:
2. In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with milk, letting them soak for a few minutes until they become soft and well incorporated.
3. Feel free to ask if you require any additional changes! 🚀 Allow it to rest for 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs fully absorb the liquid.
4. Add ground beef, ground pork, egg, grated onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and chopped parsley (if using). Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
5. Shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter). Place them on a tray.

2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Warm butter and olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.
2. Place the meatballs into the pan in small batches, ensuring enough space between them to cook evenly without overcrowding.
3. Cook each side for approximately 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
4. Move the cooked meatballs to a plate and keep them aside for later use.

3: Make the Creamy Gravy

1. In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it turns golden.
3. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, followed by heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4: Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

1. Return the browned meatballs to the skillet.
2. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked and tender.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve Homemade Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Here are some other serving ideas:

• Over buttered egg noodles for a classic pasta dish.
• With steamed rice or roasted potatoes for a hearty meal.
• As an appetizer with toothpicks for easy dipping.
• Serve with a crisp green salad for a lighter meal option.
• Pair with rustic rye bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

How to Store Homemade Swedish Meatballs

Refrigeration:

• Store any remaining portions in a sealed container and keep them refrigerated for a maximum of three days to maintain freshness.
• Warm up slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if necessary to maintain moisture.

Freezing:

• For uncooked meatballs: Arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
• For cooked meatballs: place them in a freezer-safe container with the sauce and store for up to two months.. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat.

Conclusion

Homemade Swedish Meatballs are a timeless, crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy the rich flavors of this Scandinavian classic in your own kitchen. Whether served traditionally with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam or paired with pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how you enjoyed it! Happy cooking! 🍽️

Helpful Resources

• Traditional Swedish Meatballs Guide: Learn more about the cultural significance of Swedish meatballs from Swedish Food Official Website.
• Cooking Tips for Perfect Meatballs: Check out our Meatball Cooking Techniques to enhance your dish.
• Sheet-Pan Roasted Chicken.

Homemade Swedish Meatballs

Recipe by Gramma Rosie

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: LunchDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef

• ½ pound ground pork

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon allspice

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

• Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
• In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, allowing them to soak for a few minutes.
• Add ground beef, ground pork, onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
• Shape and Cook the Meatballs:
• Form the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs.
• Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Brown the meatballs on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
• Make the Sauce:
• In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
• Gradually add beef broth, stirring constantly.
• Mix in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
• Combine and Serve:
• Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the sauce.
• Simmer for a few minutes until fully cooked.
• Serve warm with mashed potatoes or noodles.