swedish meatballs traditional recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best swedish meatballs traditional recipe

I’ve been making Swedish meatballs for my family for years, and they’re always a hit. My kids love them because they’re easy to make and fun to eat, and my husband appreciates the fact that they’re a relatively healthy option compared to some other meatball recipes.

As for me, I love the simplicity of this recipe – it’s easy to follow and requires minimal prep time, which is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, the end result is always delicious and satisfying.

I’ve served these meatballs at countless family gatherings, potlucks, and even at holiday meals, and they’ve always been a crowd-pleaser. My family’s favorite way to enjoy them is with a side of lingonberry jam, which adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory meatballs.

But feel free to experiment with different toppings or sides – the beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how well it freezes – it’s a lifesaver on days when I’m short on time but still want to serve my family a home-cooked meal.

Simply thaw the frozen meatballs in the fridge overnight or cook them straight from the freezer – either way, they’ll still be tender and flavorful. So if you’re looking for a simple yet impressive recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, give Swedish meatballs a try!

They’re sure to become a staple in your household just like they have in mine.

Traditional Swedish Meatballs

4.6 from 916 votes

A classic Swedish dish featuring tender meatballs in a creamy gravy, often served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

500g ground beef
200g ground pork
1 onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp breadcrumbs
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp allspice
1 tsp ground ginger
1/2 cup milk

For the Gravy

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

mashed potatoes
lingonberry jam

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, allspice, ground ginger, and milk.
2Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3Using a spoon and a fork, shape the mixture into small, evenly sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
4Roll them gently between your hands to ensure they hold their shape.
5Place the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
6Turn them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
7They are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are lightly browned.
8While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the gravy.
9In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
10Add the flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light brown color.
11Gradually add the beef broth to the saucepan, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
12Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
13Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
14Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy has thickened to your desired consistency.
15Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish.
16Pour the gravy over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
17Serve immediately with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam on the side.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Meatball pan
Saucepan
Spoon
Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 25g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 10g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

Tips: For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork. You can also add a touch of nutmeg to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Swedish Meatballs Works

This traditional Swedish meatball recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution, these meatballs are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

And as an added bonus, they freeze beautifully so you can enjoy them all year round.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Meatballs

Q: What type of meat should I use for Swedish meatballs?

The traditional recipe calls for ground beef and pork, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.

Q: Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form the meat mixture into balls and refrigerate them overnight before cooking – simply thaw them in the fridge or cook straight from the refrigerator.

Q: How do I serve Swedish meatballs?

Serve them with lingonberry jam, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes – or get creative and come up with your own favorite combination!

Q: Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?

Absolutely – simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat Swedish meatballs?

Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through – or microwave individual portions until hot and steaming.

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