Swedish Meatballs
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
40 mins
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Servings
4 4 meatballs
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Calories
545 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Swedish Meatballs
Description
This recipe prepares traditional Swedish Meatballs by blending ground pork and beef with seasonings and plain breadcrumbs soaked into the mixture along with a beaten egg for binding. The combination of nutmeg and allspice offers a subtle aromatic quality characteristic of Swedish flavors. The meatballs are shaped uniformly and then browned carefully in butter to develop color without overcooking the interior.
After browning, the pan is used to make a cream sauce by melting additional butter and whisking in flour to form a roux. Beef broth gradually added to this mixture creates a smooth base, which is further flavored with Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of nutmeg, and finished off with heavy cream and black pepper. The meatballs simmer gently in the sauce until fully cooked, absorbing the flavors and maintaining a tender texture.
Swedish Meatballs can be served with mashed potatoes or noodles and garnished with parsley for color. The creamy sauce is a key feature that brings richness and a balanced seasoning to the dish.
For broth, Better Than Bouillon is recommended, although salt adjustments might be needed if using low-sodium broth.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs $0.20
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg $0.03
- 1/4 tsp allspice $0.03
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder $0.02
- 1/4 tsp salt $0.02
- 1/2 lb. ground pork $0.99
- 1/2 lb. ground beef $2.65
- 1 large egg $0.32, lightly whisked
Cream Sauce
- 4 Tbsp butter $0.60, divided
- 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour $0.03
- 2 cups beef broth $0.24
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce $0.02
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg $0.01
- 1/3 cup heavy cream $0.55
- 1/4 tsp black pepper $0.02, freshly cracked
- 1 Tbsp parsley $0.10, chopped fresh; optional garnish
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, nutmeg, allspice, garlic powder, and salt. (Note: Mixing the dry ingredients first will ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meatballs and prevent you from overworking the meat mixture.)
- Meanwhile, add the pork and beef to a large bowl. Lightly whisk the egg, then add it to the bowl with the meat. Lastly, add the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use your hands to mix the meat and seasonings together until evenly combined, but avoid overmixing.
- Divide and shape the meat mixture into 16 meatballs, about 1.5 Tbsp each.
- Add 1 Tbsp of the butter to a large skillet and heat over medium. When the butter is melted and foaming, add the meatballs. Cook for a minute or two on each side, or until well browned. The meatballs do not need to be cooked through at this point.
- Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet. Add the remaining 3 Tbsp butter and the flour. Whisk the butter and flour together as the butter melts. Cook the butter and flour mixture for about two minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure to release all of the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Allow the broth to come up to a simmer, at which point it will thicken.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, pepper, nutmeg, and heavy cream. Taste the cream sauce and adjust the salt or seasonings to your liking.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Heat the meatballs over low, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 5 minutes).
- Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles with a little chopped fresh parsley and cracked pepper for garnish.
Notes
- Use Better Than Bouillon for the beef broth to deepen flavor; adjust salt if using low-sodium broth.
- Mix dry spices with breadcrumbs first to ensure even seasoning throughout the meatballs.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Brown meatballs gently in butter for best color and flavor without overcooking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 44 meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 545 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 545kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 4% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 44g | 68% |
| Sodium | 844mg | 35% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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