If you have ever craved that perfect blend of hearty comfort and smooth elegance in a dish, this Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, flavorful meatballs made from a luscious mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with warming spices like allspice and nutmeg, all simmered gently in a velvety, rich cream gravy. Every bite wraps you in cozy Scandinavian warmth that feels like a big, delicious hug. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe effortlessly brings classic comfort food to the table with a touch of homemade magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to creating the authentic flavors and irresistible texture of this dish. Each element plays a unique role, from tenderizing the meatballs to building that creamy, decadent gravy that makes the dish unforgettable.
- Ground beef and pork: The combination ensures juicy, tender meatballs with a perfect balance of flavor and fat.
- Breadcrumbs and milk: These keep the meatballs moist and tender by locking in moisture during cooking.
- Onion: Freshly grated adds natural sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatballs together nicely.
- Ground allspice and nutmeg: Classic Swedish spices that infuse subtle warmth and character.
- Butter: Used for cooking meatballs and building the rich gravy base with a silky finish.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy gravy just right without lumps.
- Beef broth: Adds a robust, savory punch to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Makes the gravy luxuriously smooth and rich.
- Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard: Provide tangy, umami undertones that take the gravy to the next level.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning meatballs and gravy to taste.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by soaking the breadcrumbs in milk for about five minutes. This step is a game changer—it gives the meatballs an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then mix in the ground meats, finely grated onion, egg, and the warming spices with salt and pepper. Be gentle when combining; overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Once combined, roll your mixture into uniform 1-inch meatballs so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs in batches. Turn them carefully until all sides develop a beautiful golden brown crust, about 6 to 8 minutes. This creates flavor-packed pockets that keep the inside juicy. Once browned, transfer meatballs to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Gravy
In the same skillet, melt more butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook it until it turns a light golden color—this builds that nutty, comforting base for the gravy. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits to deepen the sauce’s flavor. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard, then let it simmer until thick and velvety, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious gravy. Simmer everything together for an additional five minutes so the meatballs soak up all those savory, creamy flavors. This final step ensures the dish is heated through and absolutely delicious.
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this comforting dish to new heights. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh aroma that cuts through the richness. For a little brightness, you could add a handful of lingonberries or cranberry sauce on the side—traditional Scandinavian touches that complement the savory profile beautifully.
Side Dishes
Swedish meatballs in creamy gravy shine brightest when paired with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy egg noodles—they soak up every drop of that incredible sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted root vegetables provide wonderful texture contrasts and keep the meal well balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests or family with a fun twist, try serving these meatballs as sliders on soft buns with a drizzle of gravy. You can also turn the leftovers into a hot sandwich or even stack them over creamy polenta for a modern take. This recipe’s versatility makes it perfect for everyday meals as well as special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Swedish meatballs in creamy gravy keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve their texture and flavor. When ready, gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the luscious gravy consistency.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly with or without the gravy. For best results, flash freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze the gravy separately in a container. This way, you can thaw and reheat just what you need without compromising texture or flavor for up to three months.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the gravy gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the meatballs back in and simmer until everything is heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the meatballs tender and the gravy silky-smooth. If needed, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce back up.
FAQs
Can I make Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones and use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch as the gravy thickener. This way, you can enjoy all the comforting flavors without worry.
Is it better to use beef or pork for the meatballs?
A combination of both ground beef and pork is ideal because the pork adds juiciness and a subtle sweetness that balances the hearty beef. Using just one might make the meatballs a bit dense or less flavorful.
Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can shape and cook the meatballs a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. When ready to eat, just reheat in the creamy gravy. They also freeze very well, making meal prep a breeze.
How do you keep the meatballs tender and not dry?
Soaking breadcrumbs in milk and avoiding overmixing the meat mixture are key. These steps ensure the meatballs stay tender, moist, and full of flavor after cooking.
What are some good alternatives to serve with Swedish meatballs?
Besides mashed potatoes and noodles, try creamy polenta, buttered spaetzle, or even steamed rice. Roasted vegetables and a crisp salad also make refreshing accompaniments.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace from the inside out. Its rich, comforting flavors can quickly make it a family favorite or a soul-satisfying weeknight go-to. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy the process; once you taste these tender meatballs bathed in luscious gravy, you’ll understand why this classic recipe endures. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it.
Print
Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
Classic Swedish Meatballs in a rich, creamy gravy made with ground beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices, and simmered to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty home-cooked meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely grated or minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (for cooking)
For the Gravy
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soften Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb the milk and soften, which will help keep the meatballs tender.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: To the softened breadcrumbs, add ground beef, ground pork, grated onion, egg, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs, evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Cook Meatballs: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove meatballs and set aside on a plate.
- Prepare Gravy Base: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is golden and bubbly, forming a roux.
- Add Liquids for Gravy: Slowly whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to incorporate flavor. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer this mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Simmer Meatballs in Gravy: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes until the meatballs are heated through and fully coated in creamy gravy.
- Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs warm over your choice of mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra tender meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and pork and avoid compacting the meatballs too much when forming.
- These meatballs freeze well both with or without the gravy, making them a great make-ahead option.
- Add a dash of soy sauce to the gravy for a deeper umami flavor if desired.
