Swedish meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—rich, flavorful, and drenched in a creamy, savory gravy. This dish, made famous by Swedish cuisine (and of course, IKEA), is a classic that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dinner or serving them at a gathering, these meatballs are guaranteed to impress.
Why You Should Make the Best Swedish Meatballs
What makes these Best Swedish Meatballs truly exceptional is the perfect blend of ground beef and pork, combined with warming spices like nutmeg and allspice. These seasonings give them their signature depth of flavor, making every bite absolutely irresistible. And let’s not forget the silky, buttery gravy—it’s what ties everything together and makes this dish pure comfort in a bowl.
Unlike store-bought frozen meatballs, this homemade version is fresh, juicy, and full of authentic taste. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and some pantry staples, you can whip up a batch that’s better than anything you’d get at a restaurant. Serve them over creamy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even rice, and you have a meal that’s satisfying and delicious.
If you love hearty, home-cooked meals with rich flavors and cozy vibes, this Best Swedish Meatballs recipe is a must-try. It’s a dish that brings people together, warms the soul, and will quickly become a favorite in your household. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp allspice
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
For the Creamy Gravy:
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
• In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for a few minutes until absorbed.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix well but don’t overwork the meat.
• Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
• In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
• Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Gravy:
• In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter and whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden.
• Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
• Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and black pepper.
• Let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
4. Combine & Serve:
• Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
• Serve warm over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Enjoy your homemade Best Swedish Meatballs with a rich, creamy sauce! 😍