Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe
Introduction
Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy is a comforting classic that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. These tender meatballs are seasoned with warm spices and served in a rich, velvety sauce that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and parsley if using. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter for even cooking.
- Step 3: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns a golden brown to form the roux.
- Step 5: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens smoothly.
- Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the gravy simmer a few minutes until creamy.
- Step 7: Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the creamy gravy. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Step 8: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired, alongside mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 5 minutes before mixing.
- Use a mix of pork and beef for a richer flavor; turkey can be a lighter substitute but may dry out faster.
- Add a pinch of allspice and nutmeg to the gravy for a more authentic Swedish taste.
- Serve with lingonberry jam for a traditional Swedish touch.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate them. Cook them just before serving to ensure they stay juicy and tender.
What can I use instead of soy sauce in the gravy?
You can substitute soy sauce with Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beef broth to keep the savory depth without the soy flavor.
PrintSwedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe
This classic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy recipe features tender meatballs made with a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices and Parmesan cheese, all simmered in a luscious, creamy gravy. Perfectly comforting, these meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Creamy Gravy:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and parsley (if using). Mix until just combined to ensure the meatballs stay tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden brown, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until creamy.
- Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the gravy, gently stirring to coat them evenly. Simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through and infuse flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
- To keep meatballs juicy, avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead and refrigerate before cooking.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles for a traditional Swedish meal.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour for the gravy.
Keywords: Swedish meatballs, creamy gravy, homemade meatballs, comfort food, classic Swedish recipe
