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SWEDISH MEATBALLS


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

Swedish Meatballs are a classic dish beloved for their savory, comforting flavors and creamy sauce. Perfect as a hearty main course or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs are a staple in Scandinavian cuisine. This recipe delivers juicy meatballs coated in a rich, flavorful gravy that pairs beautifully with broad noodles or mashed potatoes. Let’s dive into how you can create this delicious dish at home!


Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dry oregano)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 5 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (warmed up)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

  • Soak the Bread Crumbs: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and milk. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, allowing the bread crumbs to absorb the milk.
  • Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and oregano, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  • Mix Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the sautéed onions, garlic, and oregano. Mix in the salt, pepper, and egg until the egg is fully incorporated. Add the soaked bread crumbs and mix well.

2. Form and Cook the Meatballs

  • Shape Meatballs: Use a tablespoon or a scoop to form the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs. This recipe makes approximately 20 meatballs.
  • Brown the Meatballs: Reheat the skillet used for the onions and garlic, adding a bit more olive oil and butter if needed. Brown the meatballs on all sides over medium heat, carefully turning them to avoid breaking apart. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Keep Warm: Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet and keep them warm in the oven while you prepare the sauce.

3. Make the Sauce

  • Prepare the Roux: In the same skillet, add 4 tbsp butter and let it melt. Whisk in the flour and cook until the mixture is golden brown.
  • Add Broth and Cream: Slowly stir in the warmed beef broth, cooking at a temperature that maintains a slow bubble. Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and let them simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes.

4. Serve and Enjoy

  • Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs with broad noodles or mashed potatoes. The creamy sauce complements these sides perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

Serving Tips

  1. Garnish and Accompaniments: Garnish the Swedish meatballs with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve them alongside broad noodles, mashed potatoes, or even over rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
  2. Make It a Meal: Pair the meatballs with steamed vegetables like green beans or a crisp salad to create a well-rounded meal.
  3. Serving Temperature: Swedish meatballs are best served warm. If you’re serving them at a party or gathering, consider keeping them in a slow cooker on the warm setting to maintain their temperature.

Storage Tips

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover Swedish meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure the meatballs and sauce are completely cooled before sealing the container to prevent condensation.
  2. Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze Swedish meatballs. Place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  3. Reheating: To reheat frozen meatballs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be sure to stir occasionally for even heating.
  4. Sauce Storage: If you have leftover sauce, store it separately from the meatballs to prevent it from becoming too thick or separating. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.