Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Swedish meatballs, or “köttbullar” as they are called in Sweden, are a delightful comfort food that has won hearts worldwide. These savory, tender meatballs served in a creamy gravy are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy meal at home. In this blog post, I will walk you through a traditional Swedish meatball recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter for frying

For the Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and the breadcrumb mixture. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
• Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

2. Cook the Meatballs:

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes per batch. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

3. Make the Gravy:

• In the same skillet, add the butter for the gravy and let it melt over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns a light golden brown.
• Gradually add the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Serve:

• Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the gravy. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb some of the flavors of the gravy.
• Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, traditionally over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Lingonberry sauce on the side is a classic accompaniment, adding a sweet-tart flavor that complements the richness of the meatballs and gravy.

Tips for Success:

• Mix Gently: When combining the meatball ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
• Even Sizes: Try to make the meatballs as evenly sized as possible to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Browning: Browning the meatballs adds depth of flavor to both the meatballs and the gravy. Don’t skip this step!

Variations:

• Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef and pork.
• Flavor Tweaks: Some recipes include a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the gravy for an extra depth of flavor.
• Serving Ideas: Besides the traditional mashed potatoes or egg noodles, Swedish meatballs can also be served over rice or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Swedish meatballs are a timeless dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. With their rich flavors and creamy gravy, they are sure to become a beloved recipe in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy making and sharing this classic dish with your loved ones!