Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Swedish meatballs are the perfect balance of savory and creamy, with a tender texture from the mix of beef and chicken. The rich sauce, made from beef and vegetable stocks, cream, and soy sauce, enhances the meatballs and makes every bite extra indulgent. The lingonberry jam adds a subtle sweetness to complement the savory flavors, while mashed potatoes and vegetables make for a well-rounded meal. This is the kind of meal everyone in the family will love, and it’s easy to make!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs

• 500g (1.1 lbs) beef mince (ideally 20% fat)

• 250g (0.5 lbs) chicken mince

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs

• 1 medium egg

• 5 tbsp (75 ml) full-fat milk

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp white pepper

• ¼ tsp ground allspice

• 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour

• 180 ml (¾ cup) beef stock

• 120 ml (½ cup) vegetable stock

• 120 ml (½ cup) double cream (heavy cream)

• 2 tsp dark soy sauce

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ¼ tsp salt

To Serve

• Creamy mashed potatoes

• Lingonberry jam or redcurrant jelly

• Steamed green vegetables (e.g., broccoli or green beans)

• Finely chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mince, chicken mince, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, both black and white peppers, and ground allspice.

2. Mix everything together by hand until the mixture is fully combined.

Form the Meatballs

3. Shape the meat mixture into 18–22 small meatballs, making sure they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.

Brown the Meatballs

4. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

5. Cook half of the meatballs, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Transfer the browned meatballs to a tray. Repeat this step with the remaining oil and meatballs.

Finish Cooking in the Oven

6. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F fan).

7. Place the tray of browned meatballs in the oven for 5–6 minutes to ensure they cook through while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Sauce

8. In the same pan you used to brown the meatballs, reduce the heat to medium.

9. Melt the butter in the pan and whisk in the flour to form a roux (a thick paste).

10. Gradually add the beef stock, whisking continuously until smooth.

Complete the Sauce

11. Stir in the vegetable stock and bring the sauce to a boil. Then, add the cream, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and salt. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.

Combine Meatballs with Sauce

12. Return the meatballs to the pan along with any juices from the tray.

13. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the sauce and simmer for an additional 3–4 minutes until everything is heated through.

Serve

14. Spoon the meatballs and sauce over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, with a side of steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

15. Add a dollop of lingonberry jam or redcurrant jelly on the side and garnish with fresh parsley and a little cracked black pepper.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

• Yield: 5–6 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef and chicken mince with a plant-based ground meat alternative and use a non-dairy cream for the sauce to make this dish vegetarian.

• Add Mushrooms: For an extra earthy flavor, add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for depth.

• Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce.

Storage

• Storage: Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the meatballs (with or without sauce) for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or on the stove.

Helpful Tips

• Gravy-Like Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reduces to your desired consistency.

• Adjust the Flavor: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning with more Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or Dijon mustard to suit your preferences.

• Mashed Potatoes: For extra creaminess, add a little butter and cream to the mashed potatoes.

FAQs

1. Can I use all beef or all chicken for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use all beef or all chicken if you prefer, but the mixture of both gives the meatballs a better texture and flavor.

2. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the sauce just before serving.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and chicken?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as an alternative. You may need to add a little olive oil to help keep the meatballs moist.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer, or whisk in a bit more flour or cornstarch to reach your desired consistency.

5. Can I make Swedish meatballs without cream?

Yes, you can substitute the cream with milk, or use a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream to keep the dish lighter or dairy-free.

6. What else can I serve with Swedish Meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are often served with mashed potatoes, but you can also serve them with rice, roasted vegetables, or even noodles.

7. Can I freeze the meatballs and sauce together?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs and sauce together. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatballs are a delicious, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With tender, flavorful meatballs and a rich, creamy sauce, this recipe brings the warmth and coziness of Swedish cuisine right to your table. Serve it over mashed potatoes, topped with lingonberry jam, and you’ve got a meal that’s sure to please everyone. Whether you’re enjoying it for a special dinner or a family weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite!