Cozy Swedish Meatballs Recipe: Homemade Nordic Comfort

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with these delectable Swedish meatballs that promise to transport you straight to the heart of Scandinavian cuisine.

Tender, juicy morsels of seasoned ground meat dance with a rich, creamy sauce that whispers of tradition and home-cooked warmth.

Each bite tells a story of culinary heritage, blending robust flavors that have delighted generations.

The secret lies in the perfect blend of spices and the velvety sauce that coats each meatball with pure indulgence.

Fragrant herbs and carefully selected ingredients elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Serve these meatballs over a bed of buttery egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a taste of Sweden that promises to become an instant family favorite.

Why These Swedish Meatballs Are a Must-Try

• Crafting these Swedish meatballs requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Packed with rich, savory flavors and a creamy sauce, this dish brings ultimate comfort and warmth to your dining table, creating a nostalgic and satisfying experience.
• Kids and adults alike will adore these tender meatballs, ensuring a crowd-pleasing meal that brings everyone together without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, making it an adaptable recipe that can easily fit different preferences and meal styles.

What Goes Into Swedish Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful base for the classic Swedish meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth to the meatball mixture.

• White Bread, Day-Old Bread: Helps create a tender texture and binds the meatball ingredients together.
• Milk: Softens the bread crumbs and adds moisture to the meat mixture.

• Onion, Garlic: Provides a savory and aromatic foundation for the meatballs.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the meat mixture.
• Nutmeg, Allspice: Adds a signature Swedish meatball warm and slightly sweet spice profile.

• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to help hold the meatballs together.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh herbal note to the meatball mixture.

How to Cook Classic Swedish Meatballs

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425°F, creating the perfect cooking environment for these delectable morsels.

Step 2: Transform Bread into Crumbs

Grab your soft bread and tear it into tiny pieces.

Pop these pieces into a food processor and pulse until they become delicate, powdery crumbs that will help bind your meatballs together.

Step 3: Hydrate the Bread Crumbs

Sprinkle water over the fresh bread crumbs and let them rest for a few moments.

This step helps the crumbs absorb moisture, which will make your meatballs incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 4: Prepare the Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Onion
• Garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

Combine all these ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Use your hands to gently mix everything, ensuring an even distribution of flavors without overworking the meat.

Step 5: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into uniform, bite-sized balls.

Aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking.

Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through to ensure they brown evenly and cook thoroughly.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing the meatballs are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Pro Tips for Tender, Juicy Meatballs

• Add just enough water to create a moist, cohesive texture that helps bind the meatballs without making them soggy.
• Combine ground beef and pork for a richer, more complex flavor profile that enhances the traditional Swedish meatball taste.
• Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep the texture tender and light.
• Slowly whisk cream into the pan drippings to create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps or separation.
• Keep meatballs warm in a low oven while preparing the sauce to maintain optimal flavor and texture.

Save and Reheat Swedish Meatballs Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meatballs remain fresh and tasty.
• Place cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Transfer meatballs to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until heated completely through.

What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs

• Craft the Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir to complement the rich, savory flavors of Swedish meatballs. Its subtle fruitiness and light tannins balance the creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate meat.
• Match with Lingonberry Accompaniment: Serve traditional lingonberry jam alongside the dish to add a tart, sweet contrast that cuts through the richness of the meatballs and enhances the traditional Swedish flavor profile.
• Elevate with Crisp Side Dish: Prepare a light cucumber salad dressed with dill and vinegar to provide a refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the heavy, creamy sauce and dense meatballs.
• Enhance with Scandinavian Beer: Choose a crisp, light lager like Stella Artois or a local Swedish beer to cleanse the palate and complement the hearty meat preparation with its effervescent, clean finish.

Fun Variations for This Meatball Recipe

• Gluten-Free Meatballs: Replace soft bread with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef and pork with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs to reduce carbohydrate content and create a keto-friendly meatball recipe.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace milk-based ingredients with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk to accommodate dairy allergies or vegan preferences.

FAQs

• Why do Swedish meatballs use breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture, add moisture, and create a tender texture. They prevent the meatballs from becoming dense or tough during cooking.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, but the flavor will be slightly different. For best traditional results, use a mix of ground beef and pork as the original recipe suggests.

• How fine should I chop the onions for this recipe?

Chop onions very finely or use a food processor to ensure they blend seamlessly into the meat mixture without creating large chunks that might affect the meatball’s texture.

• What makes Swedish meatballs different from other meatball styles?

Swedish meatballs are typically smaller, seasoned with nutmeg and allspice, and served with a creamy sauce, distinguishing them from Italian or American-style meatballs.

Swedish Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Swedish Meatballs bring Nordic comfort straight to dinner tables with a creamy sauce that dances between savory and rich. Lingonberry jam provides the perfect tangy companion, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor until the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Ingredients:

• 0.5 pound (225g) ground beef
• 0.5 pound (225g) ground pork
• 1 egg

Seasoning and Spice Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.125 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 slice soft bread
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1.5 cups (360ml) low-sodium beef broth
• 0.5 cup (120ml) heavy cream (or sour cream)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F, ensuring an evenly heated cooking environment for the meatballs.
2. Transform bread into delicate crumbs using a food processor, creating a uniform texture for binding the meat mixture.
3. Combine bread crumbs with water, allowing them to absorb moisture and become a cohesive foundation for the meatball mixture.
4. Blend ground meats thoroughly, incorporating softened bread crumbs to ensure a tender and well-integrated protein base.
5. Gently fold in finely minced onions, eggs, and seasonings, mixing with a light touch to prevent compacting the meat.
6. Shape the mixture into uniform, golf ball-sized spheres, maintaining consistent size for even cooking.
7. Arrange meatballs on a lined baking sheet, spacing them to allow heat circulation and prevent steaming.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, rotating the tray midway to achieve a golden-brown exterior and fully cooked interior.
9. While meatballs bake, prepare the creamy sauce by whisking flour into melted butter to create a smooth roux.
10. Gradually incorporate beef broth and cream, stirring continuously to develop a silky, luxurious sauce.
11. Once meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the sauce, gently coating each piece and allowing flavors to meld together.
12. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside traditional accompaniments like lingonberry jam and buttered egg noodles.

Notes

• Add a splash of milk to the bread crumbs for extra moisture and richness in the meatballs.
• Grate onions instead of chopping them to prevent large chunks and ensure even distribution of flavor.
• Test the seasoning by cooking a small meatball first and adjusting salt and spices to your taste preference.
• Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender and prevent a tough texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 100mg