Swedish Meatballs

5 from 2 votes

Indulge in the irresistible allure of Swedish Meatballs, a culinary masterpiece that transports you to the heart of Sweden. Savory ground beef and pork, combined with aromatic onions and garlic, create tender and flavorful meatballs. Drizzled with a luxuriously creamy sauce, these Swedish Meatballs are the epitome of comfort and will leave you craving more.

Prep Time20

Cook Time30

Total Time50

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: Swedish

Servings:

Calories: 489kcal

Author: Joanna Cismaru

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 medium onion grated
1 clove garlic minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
5 tablespoons milk
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for frying

Cream Sauce

3 tablespoons butter unsalted
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth low sodum
⅔ cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and milk. Mix until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Roll the mixture into small, evenly-sized meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter). You should have around 25-30 meatballs.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and fry until they are brown and cooked through, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
If you're air frying the meatballs, preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they have some space between them. Cook the meatballs in the air fryer at the recommended temperature (usually around 375°F/190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. This method yields a similar golden and crispy exterior while using less oil.

Cream Sauce

In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually add the beef broth to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the sauce, gently stirring to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the meatballs through.
Serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or with a side of lingonberry sauce.

Notes

For best results, use a combination of ground beef and pork with a moderate fat content, such as 80% lean/20% fat. This helps maintain juiciness and flavor in the meatballs.
Grating the onion ensures that it blends seamlessly into the meat mixture, providing moisture and enhancing the taste. Squeeze out any excess liquid from the grated onion before adding it to the mixture.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning of the meatball mixture to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional herbs, spices, or even a touch of Worcestershire sauce for extra flavor.
When shaping the meatballs, keep in mind that smaller-sized meatballs will cook faster and more evenly. Aim for meatballs that are approximately 1 inch in diameter.
If using an air fryer, make sure to preheat it according to the manufacturer's instructions before cooking the meatballs.
The cream sauce can be customized by adjusting the consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook it for a few more minutes to reduce and intensify the flavors. Conversely, if you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency.
Serve the Swedish Meatballs with your choice of accompaniments, such as mashed potatoes, egg noodles, lingonberry sauce, or pickled cucumbers, to create a complete and authentic Swedish dining experience. Don't forget to garnish with fresh herbs for an extra pop of freshness and color.
Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for a few days. Gently reheat them together in a skillet or microwave before serving.
This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit your needs, whether you're cooking for a crowd or a cozy dinner for two. Adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly while maintaining the same ratios.

Nutrition