Authentic Swedish Meatballs: A Classic Comfort Dish

Swedish meatballs are a beloved comfort food, famous for their tender texture, rich, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned flavor. Whether you’ve tried them at IKEA or enjoyed them at home, this homemade version is even better!

Served over buttery egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, these meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a luscious brown gravy.

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Why You’ll Love These Swedish Meatballs

✅ Tender & Juicy – A perfect blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and milk creates the best texture.
✅ Rich, Creamy Sauce – The savory brown gravy makes these meatballs irresistible.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or holiday feasts.
✅ Authentic Swedish Flavor – A hint of nutmeg and allspice gives them their signature taste.
✅ Better Than IKEA – Made from scratch with simple ingredients and big flavor!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (or mix with ½ lb ground pork for extra juiciness)
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (essential for Swedish flavor!)
• ¼ teaspoon allspice (optional but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)

For the Swedish Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
• Mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork the meat!
• Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a plate.

(💡 Pro Tip: Chill the meatballs in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to help them hold their shape while cooking.)

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Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

• Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
• Remove and set aside.

(💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed!)

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Step 3: Make the Swedish Gravy

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden.
• Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
• Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

(💡 For an extra smooth sauce, strain the gravy before adding the meatballs.)

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Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce

• Return the meatballs to the pan, tossing gently in the sauce.
• Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and coated in creamy gravy.

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Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.
• Serve over buttered egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
• Enjoy every savory, creamy, and delicious bite!

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Serving Ideas & Pairings

🥔 With Mashed Potatoes – The ultimate comfort food pairing.
🍝 Over Egg Noodles – Classic and soaks up all the sauce.
🥖 With Crusty Bread – Perfect for dipping into the creamy gravy.
🥗 With a Side Salad – Lightens up the dish with fresh greens.
🍷 With a Glass of Red Wine – A Pinot Noir or Merlot pairs beautifully.

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Tips for the Best Swedish Meatballs

🔹 Use a Mix of Meats – A blend of ground beef and pork creates juicier meatballs.
🔹 Don’t Overmix – Gently mix to keep the meatballs soft and tender.
🔹 Chill Before Cooking – Helps hold their shape in the pan.
🔹 Use Heavy Cream for the Best Sauce – It makes the gravy rich and velvety.
🔹 Make It Ahead – These meatballs reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep!

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Fun Variations to Try

🧀 Cheesy Swedish Meatballs – Stuff each meatball with a small cube of cheese before cooking.
🌿 Herb-Infused Meatballs – Add fresh thyme or parsley for extra depth.
🔥 Spicy Swedish Meatballs – Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Meatballs Ahead of Time?

Yes! Cook the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the sauce before serving.

Can I Freeze Swedish Meatballs?

Absolutely! Freeze cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in sauce.

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?

Yes! Ground turkey works great as a leaner option, but the flavor will be slightly different.

How Do I Thicken My Gravy?

If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then whisk into the gravy and simmer.

What Makes Swedish Meatballs Different from Italian Meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are smaller, seasoned with nutmeg and allspice, and served with a creamy brown gravy, while Italian meatballs are larger, packed with herbs, and served in tomato sauce.

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Final Thoughts

These homemade Swedish Meatballs are juicy, creamy, and packed with traditional flavors. Whether served over noodles, potatoes, or rice, this dish is a comfort food classic that everyone will love.

Try this authentic and easy recipe today—it’s a guaranteed family favorite!

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