Tender meatballs in a creamy dill-kissed gravy
Swedish Meatballs
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6
30 meatballs
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Swedish Meatballs
Tender meatballs in a creamy dill-kissed gravy
★4.7(10)
Tender, well-seasoned pork and beef meatballs simmered in a silky cream sauce with a touch of allspice and nutmeg. Served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes with lingonberry jam.
20m
Prep Time
25m
Cook Time
45m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Swedish meatballs are comfort food at its finest—small, tender, and bathed in a luscious cream gravy. The warm spices of allspice and nutmeg set them apart from every other meatball.
Whether you are feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this main course delivers the kind of satisfaction that keeps people coming back.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Mix beef, pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Shape into 1-inch balls.
- 2
Brown meatballs in butter in batches over medium-high heat. Remove and set aside.
- 3
Make a roux in the same pan with butter and flour, cooking 2 minutes until golden.
- 4
Whisk in beef broth and cream, bring to a simmer, and cook until the sauce thickens.
- 5
Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer 10 minutes until cooked through. Serve with egg noodles and lingonberry jam.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal
Pair with your favorite grain or bread on the side
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation
Substitutions
Ground porkAdditional ground beef or ground turkey
All beef works fine but pork adds tenderness
Lingonberry jamCranberry sauce
Cranberry has a similar tart-sweet profile
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Grate the onion rather than dicing—it disappears into the meat for a smoother texture.
Lingonberry jam is the traditional accompaniment and its tartness balances the rich cream sauce.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate in sauce for up to 3 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the sauce over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (120mg) · 6 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein28g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat14g
Fiber580mg
Sugar0g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find lingonberry jam?
- IKEA sells it, or check the jam aisle of well-stocked grocery stores.
- Can I bake the meatballs instead?
- Yes, bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then add to the cream sauce.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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