Juicy beef and pork meatballs seasoned with warm spices, simmered in a rich, creamy gravy.
Introduction
Few dishes deliver comfort quite like a plate of Swedish meatballs. Rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying, Swedish meatballs have earned a special place in the world of classic comfort foods. Whether enjoyed as a festive dish or a weeknight dinner, their irresistible flavor, creamy gravy, and tender texture make them a beloved favorite across cultures.
This dish consists of seasoned beef and pork meatballs made aromatic with allspice and nutmeg, browned to perfection and simmered in a velvety gravy enriched with sour cream and spices. Traditionally served with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even a scoop of lingonberry jam for a hint of sweetness, Swedish meatballs strike the perfect balance of savory and creamy.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to make this delicious dish at home—from ingredients and detailed instructions to preparation tips, calorie count, and more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress.
 Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 (approx. 4 meatballs per serving)
 Ingredients (US Measurements)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
 Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, milk, and the egg. Add the salt, pepper, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, and dried oregano. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Next, add in the ground beef and ground pork. Use clean hands or a spatula to gently combine all the ingredients until the mixture is uniform. Avoid overmixing as this can make the meatballs tough.
2. Shape the Meatballs
Take small amounts of the mixture and form them into balls about 1½ inches in diameter. This recipe yields around 24 meatballs. Place them on a lined baking sheet or tray.
3. Chill the Meatballs
Refrigerate the meatballs for at least 15 minutes. This step is essential to help the meatballs maintain their shape while cooking.
4. Brown the Meatballs
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides until they form a nice golden crust. This should take about 5-6 minutes per batch. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
5. Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Add in the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and chicken bouillon powder (if using). Stir and let the mixture simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add Sour Cream and Season
To avoid curdling, temper the sour cream by mixing it with a few spoonfuls of the hot gravy first. Then gradually stir it into the sauce. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer the Meatballs
Gently return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Spoon some sauce over the top and cover. Let them simmer for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reads 160°F.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
 Calories
Approximate Calories per Serving (4 meatballs with gravy): 418 kcal
This count may vary depending on portion size, specific ingredients used, and sides served.
 Pro Tips
Chill for Structure
Refrigerating the meatballs before cooking ensures they hold together better when seared or simmered.
Don’t Overmix
Handle the meatball mixture gently to maintain a tender, juicy texture.
Deglaze the Pan
After browning the meatballs, don’t clean the skillet—those browned bits add flavor to the gravy!
Temper the Sour Cream
Mix sour cream with a small amount of hot gravy before adding to the full sauce. This helps avoid curdling.
Use Lingonberry Jam
For a traditional Swedish touch, serve your meatballs with a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the gravy.
 Serving Suggestions
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed rice
- Roasted root vegetables
- Crusty bread to soak up extra gravy
Final Thoughts
Swedish meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—a delicious harmony of seasoned meat, savory gravy, and creamy texture. With just a few pantry staples and some simple preparation, you can whip up a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.
Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a cozy meal for two, this Swedish meatball recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to customize it to your liking with different spice blends, sides, or even a splash of cream for extra indulgence.
Happy cooking!