Authentic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this classic comfort dish! These Authentic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy are everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal—tender, juicy meatballs seasoned just right, nestled in the silkiest, most savory cream sauce. They’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve them with mashed potatoes or egg noodles and you’ve got a meal that tastes like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy equipment—just basic pantry staples and one skillet magic.
• Incredibly Flavorful: A blend of spices, broth, and cream creates the most irresistible sauce that’s rich without being too heavy.
• Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these meatballs! It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy throughout the week. They reheat beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple, but they come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you need and why:

• Ground Beef and Ground Pork: The combo gives you the best balance of flavor and tenderness. All-beef works too, but pork adds that juicy richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them light—not dense or heavy.
• Milk: Soaks the breadcrumbs to create a panade, ensuring moist meatballs.
• Egg: Holds everything together for that perfect bite.
• Onion: Finely grated or sautéed for a hint of sweetness and savory depth.
• Allspice and Nutmeg: These classic Swedish spices bring a warm, aromatic touch—don’t skip them!
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning—always taste as you go.
• Butter and Flour: The base for the gravy, creating that perfect roux.
• Beef Broth: Adds richness and body to the gravy—low sodium gives you better control over flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
• Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce: A dash deepens the umami and balances the creaminess.
• Parsley: Optional, but great for a fresh pop of color and flavor when serving.

Variations

• Make It Lighter: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
• Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion for extra earthiness in the gravy.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Swap milk and cream for unsweetened almond milk and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
• Cheesy Twist: Add a handful of grated parmesan to the meatball mixture for an umami boost.

How to Make Authentic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk, letting them soak for a few minutes. Add the ground meats, grated onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently with your hands or a fork—don’t overwork it.

Step 2: Shape and Brown

Form the mixture into small, uniform meatballs. In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches. They don’t have to cook through—just get a golden crust. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet (yes, all those browned bits stay in!), melt more butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly add beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Let it simmer and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Add Cream and Season

Stir in the heavy cream and a dash of soy or Worcestershire sauce. Let the gravy simmer until silky and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 5: Return Meatballs and Simmer

Gently place the meatballs back into the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for about 10–15 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors have mingled beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a Cookie Scoop: For even-sized meatballs that cook uniformly.
• Grate the Onion: It blends seamlessly into the meat mixture and prevents raw onion bits.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep meatballs tender, not tough.
• Brown in Batches: Overcrowding the pan steams the meatballs instead of browning them.
• Let Them Simmer in the Gravy: This melds the flavors and keeps everything moist and delicious.

How to Serve

Swedish meatballs are all about comfort, and here’s how to make the most of them:

Classic Style

Serve over creamy mashed potatoes for the most traditional and comforting combo.

Pasta Pairing

Toss them over buttered egg noodles or even pappardelle.

Light Option

Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the richness.

Bread It Up

Tuck the meatballs and sauce into a crusty bun for a seriously good meatball sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze them! Cool completely, then freeze the meatballs and gravy together in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Absolutely. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes, turning once. It’s hands-off and great if you want to skip the stovetop mess.

What’s the difference between Swedish meatballs and Italian meatballs?
Swedish meatballs are smaller and spiced with warm flavors like allspice and nutmeg. They’re served with a creamy gravy instead of tomato sauce, giving them a totally different vibe.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This recipe doubles easily. Just brown the meatballs in batches and make a larger quantity of gravy. Use a deep skillet or Dutch oven to keep everything contained.

Do I need to use both beef and pork?
Not necessarily. Using both gives the best flavor and texture, but you can stick to one or the other based on what you have. If using just beef, try adding a bit more fat (like a splash of cream) to keep them moist.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dish that brings comfort to the table with minimal effort, Authentic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy is the answer. The flavors are rich yet balanced, and the process is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for company. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!

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