Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy

These Swedish Meatballs with creamy gravy offer a perfect blend of savory meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy. The combination of beef and pork in each meatball ensures a juicy, tender bite, while the creamy sauce elevates the dish to pure comfort food perfection.

Ideal for a family dinner or special occasion, this recipe brings a touch of Swedish tradition to your table. Serve these meatballs with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love. The comforting flavors and creamy texture make this dish a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground pork

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 egg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon allspice

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons flour

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to soak.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

3. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 5-7 minutes, turning to brown on all sides.

4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to make a roux.

5. Slowly add the beef broth to the roux, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce, and let simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the gravy. Simmer for an additional 10 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the gravy is thickened.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

What sets this Swedish Meatball recipe apart from others is the use of chicken bouillon in the gravy. It adds a depth of flavor that perfectly contrasts with the richness of the beef broth, making the sauce both hearty and aromatic. Adding a touch of Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture gives them an added layer of flavor, while milk and breadcrumbs ensure they stay tender and juicy. This recipe combines traditional Swedish ingredients with modern twists to create the perfect comfort food for families.

If you’ve ever tried the Swedish Meatballs from IKEA, you may know the basic concept, but this homemade version is far superior. These meatballs are made with love and care, and the addition of extra ingredients such as sour cream in the sauce takes the dish to a whole new level.

The Secret Ingredient: Chicken Bouillon

A key element in this recipe is the use of chicken bouillon in the sauce. This ingredient may seem unusual in a beef-based gravy, but it works wonders by adding depth and complexity to the flavor. The combination of beef broth and chicken bouillon creates a savory backdrop for the meatballs, while Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard give the gravy a tangy, flavorful punch. You’ll notice the difference when you take the first bite – the sauce is rich, smooth, and perfectly complements the meatballs.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

If you’re planning to make this recipe ahead of time, it’s easy to prepare the meatballs in advance. After rolling the meatballs, you can refrigerate them for up to two days before cooking them. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to three months. To do this, place the meatballs on a tray to flash freeze for an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and follow the recipe as directed.

For leftovers, you can store the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you have more leftovers than you can eat within a few days, don’t worry. This dish freezes well for up to three months. Just be sure to reheat the meatballs gently over low heat to avoid the sauce from breaking. A makeshift double boiler is ideal for reheating this dish while keeping the sauce creamy and smooth.

Serving Suggestions

While Swedish Meatballs are traditionally served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, there are endless ways to enjoy them. For a lighter option, serve them over a bed of steamed vegetables or even a salad. The rich gravy is so flavorful that it can even be enjoyed with roasted potatoes or crusty bread, allowing you to mop up every last bit of sauce. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner, special occasion meal, or comforting dish for a cold evening, Swedish Meatballs are sure to please.

For a more traditional Swedish touch, you can serve these meatballs with lingonberry sauce, which adds a sweet and tart contrast to the richness of the gravy. The sweetness of the lingonberry sauce cuts through the savory meatballs and gravy, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Meat Combination: For the most tender and flavorful meatballs, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork. You can also add a bit of veal if you like, but the beef and pork blend gives the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

2. Chill the Meatballs: Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps them hold their shape and prevents them from becoming tough. If you’re in a rush, chilling them for at least 15 minutes is sufficient.

3. Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the meatball ingredients, avoid overworking the meat mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense and tough, so gently combine the ingredients until they are just incorporated.

4. Sauce Consistency: The gravy should be thick and creamy. If it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer to reduce it to the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little more beef broth to reach your preferred texture.

5. Sour Cream vs. Heavy Cream: For the best results, use full-fat sour cream in the gravy. It adds a tangy richness that perfectly complements the savory meatballs. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute sour cream with heavy cream.

Conclusion: A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy is a classic dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat your family to a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. The combination of tender meatballs and a rich, creamy gravy is simply irresistible, and the versatility of the dish allows you to serve it in a variety of ways.

With the secret ingredient of chicken bouillon in the sauce and the tender meatballs that are easy to make ahead of time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. So, the next time you’re craving a comforting meal, give these Swedish Meatballs a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Make sure to store your leftovers properly, as they freeze and reheat beautifully. And don’t forget to experiment with different ways of serving – mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even vegetables – for a meal that’s sure to satisfy every craving.