There’s something special about Swedish meatballs—juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a creamy, rich gravy. Whether you’ve had them at IKEA or grown up eating them, this dish is pure comfort food! The combination of beef and pork, along with warming spices like allspice and nutmeg, creates a unique and irresistible flavor.

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In this blog, I’ll walk you through an easy homemade Swedish meatballs recipe, along with cooking tips, nutritional insights, and health benefits. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Authentic Swedish flavors with a creamy, homemade gravy
✅ Quick and easy – ready in under 45 minutes
✅ Great for meal prep – store or freeze for later
✅ Pairs well with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or lingonberry jam

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
½ lb (225g) ground pork
½ cup (50g) breadcrumbs
¼ cup (60ml) milk
1 large egg
½ onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp allspice
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp butter (for frying)

For the Creamy Gravy:

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (480ml) beef broth
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk, letting it sit for 5 minutes to absorb moisture.
Add ground beef, ground pork, egg, onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).

2. Cook the Meatballs

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Fry the meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides (about 6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Gravy

In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute until golden brown.
Gradually whisk in beef broth, stirring continuously.
Add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Combine & Serve

Return the meatballs to the skillet, coat them in the gravy, and let them simmer for another 5 minutes.
Serve hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or lingonberry jam.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

🍽 Serving Size: 5 meatballs with gravy

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 780mg

(Note: Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Health Benefits of Swedish Meatballs

✅ Good Source of Protein – The combination of beef and pork provides essential amino acids that help with muscle growth and repair.

✅ Iron & B-Vitamins – Red meat contains iron, B12, and zinc, which support energy levels and brain function.

✅ Healthy Fats for Energy – The cream-based gravy provides healthy fats that help keep you full and satisfied.

✅ Spices with Benefits – Allspice and nutmeg contain antioxidants that support digestion and reduce inflammation.

To make this dish healthier, you can:
✔️ Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef/pork
✔️ Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt in the gravy
✔️ Serve with cauliflower mash instead of potatoes

Serving Suggestions

🍽 Classic Style – Serve over creamy mashed potatoes with lingonberry jam.

🍝 Quick & Easy – Pair with buttered egg noodles for a simple meal.

🥦 Low-Carb Option – Serve with steamed vegetables or zucchini noodles.

🍞 Swedish Style – Traditionally served with crusty bread and pickled cucumbers.

Common FAQs

1. Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking. You can also freeze them (cooked or uncooked) for up to 3 months.

2. Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use frozen meatballs and focus on making the homemade gravy for an authentic touch.

3. What makes Swedish meatballs different from Italian meatballs?

Swedish meatballs have allspice and nutmeg, giving them a warm, slightly sweet flavor. They’re also served in a creamy gravy instead of tomato sauce.

4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond milk instead of regular milk in the meatballs, and substitute coconut cream for heavy cream in the gravy.

5. How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?

If your gravy is too runny, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water, then stir it into the gravy and let it simmer until thickened.

6. What side dishes go best with Swedish meatballs?

Traditional sides include mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, roasted vegetables, egg noodles, or pickled cucumbers.

Final Thoughts

This Swedish meatballs recipe is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re making it from scratch or using store-bought meatballs, the rich, creamy gravy and perfectly seasoned meatballs will make this a family favorite.

👉 Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments!

📌 Don’t forget to save this recipe for later!