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5.0 from 48 votes

Swedish Meatballs (Köttbullar)

Tender, rich, and flavorful, these Swedish Meatballs are seasoned to perfection with traditional spices and drenched in a luxuriously creamy gravy.

Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 35 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 632 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Swedish

Ingredients

  • For the meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef (for a lighter version can use chicken or turkey)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs (can substitute GF breadcrumbs)
  • 1 small yellow onion , finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 large egg , lightly whisked
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives or 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • 2 teaspoons ground dried porcini mushrooms (optional, for an incredible flavor boost)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mace or nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons oil for frying
  • For the sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (can substitute all-purpose GF flour but avoid nut flours)
  • 2 cups quality chicken broth (I use and love Aneto Broth)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half and half for a lighter version)
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce 
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • lingonberry jam , for serving

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place all of the meatball ingredients in a large bowl and use your hands to thoroughly combine the mixture. Form the mixture into 30 uniformly sized meatballs. They will weigh about 30 grams/1 ounce each. You can make them larger if you prefer. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  2. Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large skillet or saute pan with lid. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides then transfer them to a plate.
  3. Melt the butter to the skillet, add the flour, and whisk continually until the flour is dissolved. Continue whisking for a few minutes until the roux is a deep golden brown. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while continuing to whisk to avoid clumping and until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and heavy cream. Whisk to combine.
  4. Nestle the meatballs in the sauce, bring to a simmer, turn the heat to medium-low, place the lid on the skillet, and continue to lightly simmer for about 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.Serve garnished with some chopped chives or parsley if desired. The classic Swedish accompaniments are mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and either quick pickled cucumbers, cucumber salad or pickled beets.

Nutrition Information

Calories 632kcal (32%) Carbohydrates 13g (4%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 55g (85%) Saturated Fat 26g (130%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 21g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 184mg (61%) Sodium 788mg (33%) Potassium 520mg (15%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 1129IU (23%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 84mg (8%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 632

% Daily Value*

Calories 632kcal 32%
Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 55g 85%
Saturated Fat 26g 130%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 21g 105%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 184mg 61%
Sodium 788mg 33%
Potassium 520mg 11%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 1129IU 23%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 84mg 8%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.