Swedish Meatballs with Gravy: A Cozy Recipe You’ll Love!

Name: Swedish Meatballs with Gravy: A Cozy Recipe You’ll Love!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1 egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 tsp allspice; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream

Posted on June 21, 2025

Evening Meals

Introduction to Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

There’s something undeniably comforting about a plate of Swedish meatballs with gravy. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening, isn’t it? As a busy mom, I know how precious time can be, and this recipe is a quick solution for those hectic days when you want to impress your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender meatballs, drenched in creamy gravy, create a cozy meal that brings everyone together. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home, making dinner feel like a special occasion every time.

Why You’ll Love This Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

This Swedish meatballs with gravy recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights. It’s not only easy to whip up, but it also delivers on flavor. The combination of ground beef and pork creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist. Plus, the creamy gravy elevates the dish, making it feel indulgent without the fuss. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, leaving you more time to enjoy with your family.

Ingredients for Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating delicious Swedish meatballs with gravy. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef: This is the heart of your meatballs, providing a rich flavor and juicy texture.
Ground pork: Adding pork gives the meatballs a tender bite and enhances the overall taste.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meat mixture together, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape while cooking.
Milk: A splash of milk keeps the meatballs moist and adds a touch of creaminess.
Onion: Finely chopped onion brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatballs.
Egg: This acts as a binder, helping to hold everything together for a perfect meatball.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the flavors of the meat.
Nutmeg and allspice: These warm spices add a unique flavor profile that’s characteristic of Swedish cuisine.
Butter: Used for browning the meatballs, it adds richness and flavor.
Flour: This is key for thickening the gravy, giving it that luscious texture.
Beef broth: A flavorful base for the gravy, it adds depth and richness.
Heavy cream: This transforms the gravy into a creamy delight that coats the meatballs beautifully.

For those looking to lighten things up, you can swap the ground beef and pork for ground turkey. It’s a great alternative that still delivers on taste. You can find all the exact measurements at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!

How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by grabbing a large bowl. Combine the ground beef and ground pork, letting their flavors mingle. Next, add the breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, and egg. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. I love how the spices create a warm aroma! Mix everything together until well combined. You want a uniform texture, so don’t be shy about using your hands. This is where the magic begins, and trust me, it’s worth the effort!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Now comes the fun part! With clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a ball, about one inch in diameter. I like to make them a bit smaller for bite-sized goodness. Place the formed meatballs on a plate, making sure they don’t touch. This helps them brown evenly later. You’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Once it’s sizzling, gently add the meatballs to the skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd them; you want them to brown nicely. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides. The smell will be heavenly! Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside. This step is crucial for building flavor in your Swedish meatballs with gravy.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet, add the flour to the drippings left behind. Cook for about a minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, bringing it to a simmer. As it thickens, you’ll see the magic happen! Stir in the heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy gravy. This is the moment when your kitchen starts to feel like a cozy Swedish bistro. It’s all about those comforting flavors!

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently nestling them into the gravy. Let them simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The meatballs will soak up that creamy goodness, making each bite irresistible. This is where patience pays off, and your family will be eagerly waiting for dinner!

Tips for Success

Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs; it makes the process quicker!
Don’t skip browning the meatballs; it adds depth to the flavor.
For a richer gravy, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the cream.
Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve immediately for the best texture, but leftovers are just as delicious!

Equipment Needed

Large bowl: For mixing the meatball ingredients. A mixing spoon works too!
Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for browning. A regular skillet will do just fine.
Cookie scoop: Great for forming meatballs evenly. You can use your hands if you prefer.
Whisk: Essential for making the gravy smooth. A fork can work in a pinch!

Variations of Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Turkey Meatballs: Swap the beef and pork for ground turkey for a lighter option that still packs flavor.
Vegetarian Version: Use lentils or chickpeas as a base, combined with breadcrumbs and spices for a meat-free delight.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat mixture for a zesty twist.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or thyme into the meatball mixture for an aromatic touch.
Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice crackers or almond flour.

Serving Suggestions for Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort meal.
Serve alongside lingonberry sauce for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Roasted vegetables add a colorful and nutritious touch to your plate.
A crisp green salad balances the richness of the dish.
For drinks, consider a light red wine or sparkling water with lemon.

FAQs about Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Can I make Swedish meatballs with gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and gravy in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat them on the stovetop. This makes for a quick dinner solution on busy nights!

What can I serve with Swedish meatballs?

Swedish meatballs with gravy pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even rice. For a touch of sweetness, don’t forget the lingonberry sauce. It’s a classic combination that elevates the dish!

Can I freeze leftover Swedish meatballs with gravy?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and gravy! Just let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover Swedish meatballs with gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Just remember to reheat gently to keep the meatballs tender!

Can I use different meats for the meatballs?

Definitely! While the classic recipe uses ground beef and pork, you can experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Making Swedish meatballs with gravy is more than just cooking; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. The aroma wafting through your home will draw your family in, eager to share a meal together. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the heart and soul. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish brings comfort and joy. I hope you find as much happiness in preparing and sharing this recipe as I do. Trust me, it’s a cozy meal that will become a cherished favorite in your home!