Swedish Meatballs are a beloved dish known for their tender texture and rich, savory gravy. This recipe brings the flavors of Sweden to your table with a blend of ground beef and spices, simmered in a creamy sauce. Perfect as a main course served over noodles or mashed potatoes, these meatballs are a comforting and satisfying option for any meal.
Ingredients for Swedish Meatballs
To prepare Swedish Meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup
- Milk: 1/4 cup
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Egg: 1 large
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Beef broth: 2 cups
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish
How to Make Swedish Meatballs
Follow these steps to create delicious Swedish Meatballs:
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
- Shape Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.
- Cook Meatballs: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Remove cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the remaining drippings. Cook and stir for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer Meatballs: Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them with the sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Transfer the Swedish Meatballs to a serving dish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.
About the Main Ingredients
- Ground beef: Provides a hearty base for the meatballs, ensuring they are flavorful and satisfying.
- Breadcrumbs and Milk: Act as binders and add moisture to the meatball mixture, ensuring a tender texture.
- Creamy Sauce: Made with beef broth and heavy cream, the sauce enhances the richness of the dish, complementing the savory meatballs perfectly.
Swedish Meatballs are a comforting and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or served as an appetizer. With their tender texture and creamy sauce, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home.
