Swedish Meatball Recipe: Swedish meatballs, or “köttbullar,” are a classic Swedish dish known for their savory flavor, soft texture, and rich creamy sauce.
These meatballs are often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam, a combination that offers a wonderful balance between savory and slightly sweet flavors.
Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate this popular dish at home.
Ingredients for Swedish Meatballs
To achieve that authentic taste, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand.
For the Meatballs:
- Ground Meat: 1 lb ground beef and ½ lb ground pork for a balanced flavor and texture
- Breadcrumbs: ½ cup, preferably plain or lightly seasoned
- Milk: ⅓ cup for moisture
- Egg: 1 large, to bind the ingredients
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Pepper: ½ tsp
- Allspice: ¼ tsp, ground
- Nutmeg: ¼ tsp, ground
- Butter: 2 tbsp, for frying
For the Sauce:
- Butter: ¼ cup
- All-Purpose Flour: ¼ cup, for thickening the sauce
- Beef Broth: 2 cups for a rich flavor
- Heavy Cream: ¾ cup, to create the creamy consistency
- Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp, adds depth to the sauce
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp, optional for a slight tang
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Swedish Meatballs
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into each step for creating these delicious Swedish meatballs from scratch.
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Choosing the Right Meat
To achieve the right flavor and texture, combine ground beef and ground pork. The beef provides a hearty base, while the pork adds juiciness due to its fat content.
Using Spices and Herbs
Swedish meatballs get their distinct flavor from a blend of allspice and nutmeg. Adding these spices to the meat mixture brings out a warm, savory taste that’s unique to this dish.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them soak for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the ground meats, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Step 2: Forming the Meatballs
To get evenly sized meatballs that cook uniformly, use a spoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture.
Tips for Even Meatball Sizes
Form each portion into a round ball using your hands. Aim for around 1-inch meatballs, as they are easier to cook through evenly and are a traditional size for Swedish meatballs.
Keeping Meatballs Moist
Overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough. Gently shape each ball without pressing too hard, which helps keep the meat tender.
Step 3: Cooking the Meatballs
In Swedish cooking, meatballs are typically pan-fried to develop a golden crust before adding them to the sauce.
Pan-frying vs. Baking
For an authentic taste, pan-fry the meatballs in butter. However, if you prefer a lighter option, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the Meatballs: Add meatballs in batches, turning them frequently until all sides are browned. Remove each batch and set aside on a plate.
Draining the Oil
After browning, you may notice excess oil in the skillet. Pour it out carefully, leaving only a small amount, which will add flavor to the sauce.
Step 4: Making the Creamy Sauce
The creamy gravy is a defining feature of Swedish meatballs. Rich and flavorful, this sauce is made with a roux base using butter and flour.
Achieving a Perfect Consistency
Start by melting butter in the same skillet used for frying. This will carry over some of the flavors from the meatballs, adding depth to the sauce.
- Make the Roux: Add flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth and golden brown.
- Add Broth and Cream: Gradually add beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then, stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, and optional Dijon mustard.
Tips for Flavors and Seasoning
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. The soy sauce adds a slight saltiness and color, while the mustard can add a mild tang that enhances the creaminess.
Step 5: Combining Meatballs and Sauce
Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to reintroduce the meatballs.
Properly Coating the Meatballs
Add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure they are well coated with the sauce. Let them simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Simmering for Flavor
Simmering the meatballs in the sauce not only enhances their taste but also ensures they stay tender and juicy.
Side Dish Suggestions
Swedish meatballs are typically served with a side that complements their creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a classic pairing, soaking up the sauce beautifully.
- Lingonberry Jam: This traditional Swedish jam has a slightly tart flavor that pairs well with the savory meatballs.
Serving Tips
For an authentic Swedish presentation:
- Plating the Dish: Place the meatballs on top of a bed of mashed potatoes and drizzle the creamy sauce generously.
- Garnishing Ideas: Fresh parsley or dill adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Swedish meatballs can be stored and enjoyed later.
- Refrigerate: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet, adding a little water or broth to thin the sauce if needed.
Tips for Making the Best Swedish Meatballs
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to add extra allspice or nutmeg if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Using Dairy Alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Meat: Leads to dense meatballs. Mix until just combined.
- Not Letting Sauce Thicken: Allow the sauce enough time to thicken for the best texture.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fats: 30g
FAQs about Swedish Meatball Recipe
1. What makes Swedish meatballs different from regular meatballs?
Swedish meatballs stand out due to their creamy, savory sauce, which often includes ingredients like sour cream or heavy cream, giving them a unique flavor profile compared to traditional meatballs. The spices, such as allspice and nutmeg, also add a distinctive taste.
2. What ingredients are typically used in Swedish meatballs?
Swedish meatballs usually include ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onions, eggs, and spices like allspice and nutmeg. The sauce is made with beef or chicken broth, heavy cream, and sometimes sour cream for extra richness.
3. Can I use only beef or pork in Swedish meatballs?
Yes, you can make Swedish meatballs using only beef or pork, but a combination of both provides a more traditional taste and tender texture.
4. How do I make the sauce creamy and smooth?
To make a creamy, smooth sauce, use a mixture of beef broth and heavy cream, and whisk continuously while cooking to prevent lumps. Adding a bit of sour cream can enhance the creaminess if desired.
5. What should I serve with Swedish meatballs?
Swedish meatballs are often served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, but they also pair well with rice or even a side of steamed vegetables. Lingonberry jam is a classic accompaniment that balances the dish’s richness with a hint of sweetness.
Conclusion and Final Tips
There you have it—a complete guide to making delicious, homemade Swedish meatballs! With simple ingredients and careful attention to each step, you’ll have a meal that’s sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to add your twist to the recipe, whether it’s adding a bit more spice or trying a different side dish.
