Name: Swedish Meatballs with Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Scandinavian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 small onion (finely grated or minced); 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon allspice; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; Salt and pepper to taste

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If you’re looking for a comforting dish that warms the soul, then Swedish Meatballs with Gravy is just the ticket! This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of cozy family dinners and laughter around the table. The tender meatballs, infused with warm spices and smothered in a rich gravy, create a meal that feels both indulgent and homey. Whether you’re whipping it up on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this dish always brings smiles.

What I love most about Swedish Meatballs with Gravy is how easy it is to prepare. You can make it ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or last-minute dinner plans. Plus, who doesn’t love meatballs? They’re always a hit, especially when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or tangy lingonberry jam!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it a great choice for those busy evenings.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these meatballs! Their savory flavor and delightful texture appeal to everyone.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat when you’re ready to serve!
Deliciously Versatile: Pair these meatballs with your favorite sides for an authentic Scandinavian experience or mix things up with your own twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our delicious Swedish Meatballs with Gravy! These are pantry staples that you might already have on hand.

For the Meatballs

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 small onion (finely grated or minced)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Now you’re all set to create this delightful dish!

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste.

Swap the protein: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add some greens: Mix in chopped spinach or kale into the meatball mixture for extra nutrition.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options like almond flour or crushed rice crackers.
Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you’re craving a little heat!

How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining your breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl. Let this sit for about 5 minutes; this helps keep your meatballs moist. In another bowl, mix ground beef, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. The spices add warmth and depth of flavor that makes these meatballs truly special. Once combined, fold in the breadcrumb mixture gently.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands (and don’t forget to wash them first!), form small balls from the mixture—about one inch in diameter works perfectly. This size ensures they cook evenly and stay tender inside.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add the meatballs in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear them until they are browned on all sides (about 10 minutes). This browning creates flavor through caramelization—a key step if you want those delicious crispy edges!

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Once all meatballs are cooked and set aside, it’s time to make our rich gravy! In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean!), add more butter if needed and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring continuously until thickened. Stir in heavy cream and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce) for added depth.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with gravy and let them simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows each meatball to soak up that luscious sauce while keeping them tender.

And there you have it! A plate full of delightful Swedish Meatballs with Gravy that’s ready to be enjoyed by family and friends. Serve hot alongside mashed potatoes or any side of your choice—and don’t forget that lingonberry jam for an authentic touch!

Pro Tips for Making Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Making Swedish Meatballs with Gravy can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly!

Use fresh breadcrumbs – Fresh breadcrumbs absorb moisture better and provide a softer texture to the meatballs, making them tender and juicy.
Don’t overmix the meat – Mixing just until combined will keep your meatballs light and prevent them from becoming dense. Think of it as a gentle hug rather than a full-on squeeze!
Chill the mixture before forming meatballs – Refrigerating the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to shape into uniform balls.
Brown the meatballs evenly – Ensure you give each meatball enough space in the pan when browning, which allows for even cooking and that beautiful golden crust we all love.
Adjust gravy thickness to taste – If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer longer after adding the cream; for a thinner consistency, add a bit more broth while stirring.

How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Serving Swedish Meatballs with Gravy is all about creating an inviting plate that emphasizes comfort and warmth. Here are some ideas on how to present this classic dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
Lingonberry jam – This sweet-tart condiment is traditional in Swedish cuisine and complements the savory flavors of the meatballs perfectly.

Side Dishes

Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that soaks up all that delicious gravy, making every bite delightful.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans add a healthy crunch and vibrant colors to your plate.
Pickled Cucumbers – These tangy bites provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meatballs, enhancing each mouthful.
Couscous or Rice Pilaf – Light and fluffy couscous or rice pilaf offers an alternative base that absorbs the flavorful gravy while adding an interesting texture.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Swedish Meatballs with Gravy will not only taste amazing but will also be visually appealing! Enjoy your meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Swedish Meatballs with Gravy recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade comfort food throughout the week. With a few simple storage tips, you can make this dish in advance and enjoy it at your convenience.

Storing Leftovers

Allow meatballs and gravy to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Portion meatballs and gravy into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through.
For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second increments until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Swedish Meatballs with Gravy.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Swedish Meatballs with Gravy?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still yield tender and flavorful meatballs. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as necessary.

What can I serve with Swedish Meatballs with Gravy?

Swedish Meatballs with Gravy pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or pickled cucumbers. You could also serve it over egg noodles or rice for added variety!

How do I ensure my Swedish Meatballs with Gravy stay moist?

To keep your meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the ingredients and consider adding a bit more milk or breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too dry. Cooking them at medium heat will also help retain moisture.

Can I make Swedish Meatballs with Gravy gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the gravy.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Swedish Meatballs with Gravy! This comforting dish not only warms your heart but also brings people together around the dinner table. Enjoy every bite and feel free to get creative with your sides! Happy cooking!

Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Scandinavian

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Description

If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings warmth and joy to your table, these Swedish Meatballs with Gravy are perfect for you! This delightful recipe features tender meatballs made from ground beef, seasoned with aromatic spices, and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, bringing smiles and satisfaction to everyone. With the option to prepare ahead of time, these flavorful meatballs can easily become a staple in your meal prep rotation. Serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or tangy lingonberry jam for an authentic Scandinavian experience.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 small onion (finely grated or minced)
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl; let sit for 5 minutes.
In another bowl, mix ground beef, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Fold in the breadcrumb mixture gently.
Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) using your hands.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, whisk flour into melted butter until smooth. Gradually add beef broth while stirring until thickened. Stir in heavy cream and soy sauce.
Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer gently for about 10 minutes.