IKEA, eat your heart out—these delicious Swedish Meatballs will have you dancing the polska!
Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, if you want to sound like you know your stuff, are not like Italian meatballs. Aside from their shape, they really don’t have much else in common. For one, Swedish meatballs are seasoned with allspice and nutmeg, giving them a distinct flavor.
I can only speak for myself when I say that I didn’t even know Swedish meatballs were a thing. It wasn’t until I visited an IKEA back in college. Now, I feel like I see them everywhere, from the grocer to the butcher and even Costco. They’ve become a favorite at my house, especially since I’ve learned how to make them myself.
I like to serve these savory bites with the traditional creamy gravy and lingonberry jam when I can find it (or make it). If you’re a fan of comfort foods like beef stroganoff, Swedish meatballs are worth a try!
Are Swedish Meatballs Healthy?
Swedish meatballs aren’t inherently healthy due to their fat content. If you’d prefer a healthier take, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the pork and beef. You can also use whole-wheat breadcrumbs and reduce the heavy cream in the sauce by using half-and-half.
Why Beef Broth?
Considering you need two cups of beef broth for this recipe, it’s a pretty important ingredient. Beef broth adds a deep, savory richness that complements the meat’s natural flavors. The broth blends with the butter and flour mixture to create a velvety coating. Without beef broth, the sauce would lack the depth that makes Swedish meatballs so delicious! Feel free to use low-sodium beef broth, but definitely don’t leave it out of this recipe.
How to Make Ahead and Store
The uncooked meatballs can be prepped the night before and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Freeze the cooked or uncooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for at least 3 months. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Add a little stock when reheating to loosen the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
Swedish meatballs are typically served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles because they help soak up the delicious gravy. Also, no meal is complete without veggies, so serve up some roasted Garlic Brussels Sprouts or Easy Sautéed Broccoli. And don’t forget the lingonberry jam!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, milk, egg, allspice, nutmeg, pepper, and salt. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, and onion to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Remove meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet, add the flour to the remaining butter and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually add beef broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, and bring to a simmer. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until cooked through.
- Devour!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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