If you’ve ever wished for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug and can come together without too much fuss, you’re in for a treat. This Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe brings together tender, flavorful meatballs swimming in a creamy, slightly tangy gravy that’s pure magic on a plate. Perfectly spiced, beautifully browned, and silky smooth, these meatballs showcase how a handful of simple ingredients can create a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the savory ground beef and fragrant spices to the creamy gravy components that bring everything together with luscious texture and depth of flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef: The hearty base for meatballs, choose fresh for the best taste and texture.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them wonderfully tender.
- 1 small onion (very finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and moisture.
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced): Gives the meatballs a gentle aromatic kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Adds a hint of bright herbaceous flavor.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A classic Swedish touch that warms the palate.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice: Provides subtle complexity without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out all the savory flavors.
- Black pepper (to taste): Freshly cracked for a little spicy edge.
- 1 large egg: Binds the mixture to keep meatballs perfectly shaped.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk: Keeps the meatballs soft and moist.
- 1 tablespoon oil: For browning the meatballs to that irresistible golden crust.
- 3 tablespoons butter: The rich base for creating the silky gravy sauce.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the gravy beautifully—adjust as you prefer the sauce thickness.
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth: The savory liquid that forms the heart of the gravy.
- 1 cup whole milk: Makes the gravy wonderfully creamy and smooth.
- 1 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard: Adds a touch of tang and depth.
- 1 tablespoon grape jelly (or lingonberry jam): Brings a subtle sweetness balanced by the savory flavors; feel free to adjust to taste.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Final seasoning to perfect the gravy.
How to Make Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Start by combining all the meatball ingredients—except the oil—in a large bowl. You want to mix them thoroughly so that every bite bursts with flavor and tenderness. Using your hands or a handheld mixer with a hook attachment, knead until fully combined. Then, scoop out about 2 teaspoons of the mixture and roll it into firm balls. A handy trick is to freeze the formed meatballs for 5-10 minutes to help maintain their shape during cooking; it’s a small step that makes a big difference!
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
Heat the oil in a wide and deep skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, place the meatballs in the pan, making sure they have space and aren’t crowded. Allow them to brown evenly on all sides—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes and creates that beautiful golden crust you want. If baking is more your style, simply lay the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 10-12 minutes until cooked through and nicely browned.
Step 3: Make the Gravy
After removing the meatballs, keep that skillet with all the lovely browned bits and return it to medium heat. Melt the butter, then quickly whisk in the flour to make a roux—a crucial step for a luscious gravy. Keep whisking as the mixture turns medium brown and fragrant. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Let it simmer until thickened, then stir in the whole milk, Dijon mustard, and grape jelly. This blend results in a creamy, slightly sweet sauce that perfectly complements the savory meatballs. Allow it to simmer gently for about a minute to marry the flavors.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Slip the meatballs back into the gravy, giving them a gentle stir to coat them evenly. Warm them through on low heat so the flavors meld without losing any tenderness. Now, the dish is ready to serve and impress with every bite loaded with rich, comforting flavor.
How to Serve Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of vibrant color and herbaceous brightness that balances the richness. For a traditional touch, serve with a few lingonberries or a spoonful of lingonberry jam for tartness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy gravy.
Side Dishes
These meatballs shine when paired with creamy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of gravy, or buttered egg noodles for a simple but satisfying meal. Steamed green beans or lightly sautéed spinach can add a fresh, green crunch that rounds out the plate perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner, scoop the meatballs and gravy over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes right at the table. Or build a meatball slider using soft dinner rolls and a slice of pickled cucumber for an elevated twist. Hosting a gathering? Keep the meatballs warm in a slow cooker with extra gravy and set out toothpicks for easy grabbing—the best party snack!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover meatballs and gravy keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool before storing to preserve their texture and rich flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Swedish meatballs and gravy separately or together. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer bag for best results. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of milk or broth if the gravy thickens too much upon standing. Microwaving works too—just cover to prevent drying out and heat in short intervals.
FAQs
Can I use a mix of ground meats?
Absolutely! Combining ground beef with pork or veal creates extra tenderness and adds depth to your meatballs. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite blend for this Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe.
What can I substitute if I don’t have grape jelly?
Lingonberry jam is traditional, but you can also use cranberry sauce, red currant jelly, or even a bit of apricot preserves. The key is a touch of sweetness balanced with slight tartness to elevate the gravy.
How thick should the gravy be?
The gravy should be creamy but pourable enough to coat the meatballs nicely. If you prefer it thinner, just reduce the flour slightly or add a bit more broth as needed during cooking.
Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, confirm your beef broth is gluten-free to keep the dish safe for sensitive diets.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely! Both meatballs and gravy freeze well, making this recipe a great option for batch cooking. Just thaw completely before reheating to keep texture and flavor at their best.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe that transforms humble ingredients into an unforgettable dish. From the perfectly spiced meatballs to the creamy, flavorful gravy, the whole experience feels like a little piece of Scandinavian comfort on your plate. I can’t wait for you to try making this recipe and share the cozy joy it brings at your table.
Print
Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This classic recipe for Easy Swedish Meatballs offers tender, flavorful beef meatballs cooked in a rich and creamy gravy with a subtle hint of Dijon mustard and sweet jelly. Perfect as a comforting main dish served over noodles or mashed potatoes, this recipe combines traditional Scandinavian flavors with straightforward cooking techniques suitable for any home cook.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, very finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon oil
Gravy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour (use 2 tablespoons for thinner gravy)
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon grape jelly or lingonberry jam (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients for the meatballs except the oil. Knead thoroughly until well incorporated; using a handheld mixer with a hook attachment can speed up this process. Shape the mixture into firm balls using about 2 teaspoons per meatball. For better shape retention, freeze the shaped meatballs for 5-10 minutes before cooking.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat the oil in a wide, deep skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which will take about 6-8 minutes total. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set aside. Alternatively, you can bake them on a lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Make the gravy: Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns medium brown, forming a roux. Slowly pour in the beef broth while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens, then whisk in the whole milk, Dijon mustard, and grape jelly. Simmer gently over medium-low heat for about 1 minute or until creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish the dish: Place the cooked meatballs back into the gravy and warm gently until they are heated through. Serve immediately, ideally over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for an authentic Swedish experience.
Notes
- If freezing the meatballs before cooking, they will hold their shape better during browning.
- The grape jelly or lingonberry jam adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory gravy; adjust the amount depending on your taste preference.
- For a thinner gravy, reduce the flour to 2 tablespoons.
- Baking the meatballs is a convenient alternative to pan-frying if you are cooking for a larger group or prefer less oil.
