Swedish Meatballs with Creamy sauce has always been a comforting dish in my household, especially during chilly evenings. I fondly remember my mother preparing them as a special treat when my friends came over. The enticing aroma of spices and simmering sauce filled the air, making our mouths water in anticipation. Now, I love recreating this creamy Swedish meatball recipe for my family, bringing them the same warmth and joy. The tender meatballs in a rich, savory sauce are simply irresistible. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Swedish Meatballs with Creamy
This recipe for Swedish Meatballs with Creamy sauce is a favorite for many reasons:
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight dinner.
- Features a delightful blend of spices that elevate flavor.
- Perfectly paired with egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
- Comfort food that warms your heart and soul.
- Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients for Swedish Meatballs with Creamy
Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Swedish Meatballs with Creamy sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef – the base for juicy meatballs
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs – for added texture
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped – fresh flavor
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice – a warm spice that enhances the meat
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds depth to the flavor
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped – for sweetness and moisture
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – a must for savory flavor
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper – to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances overall flavor
- 1 egg – binds the meatball mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for cooking the meatballs
- 1 tablespoon butter – adds richness
- 4 tablespoons butter – for the sauce
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour – to thicken the sauce
- 2 cups beef broth – the base for the creamy sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream – for a rich, creamy texture
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – adds umami flavor
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – for a slight tang
- Salt and pepper to taste – adjust according to preference
How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Creamy
Follow these simple steps to create your very own Swedish Meatballs with Creamy sauce:
- Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, chopped parsley, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and egg until well blended.
- Step 2: Roll the mixture into 12 large meatballs or 20 smaller ones, depending on your preferred serving size.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides and ensure they are cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes until it becomes a light brown roux.
- Step 5: Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream into the roux. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring regularly until the sauce simmers and thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to absorb the flavors and warm through.
- Step 7: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, ideally over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.
Pro Tips for the Best Swedish Meatballs with Creamy
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Swedish Meatballs with Creamy turn out perfectly:
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for richer flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking the meatballs to ensure even browning.
- Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to enhance juiciness.
What’s the secret to perfect Swedish Meatballs with Creamy?
The secret lies in the seasoning and the technique of browning the meatballs properly before simmering them in the sauce. It creates layers of flavor that are truly irresistible.
Can I make Swedish Meatballs with Creamy ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance. Simply store them in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Swedish Meatballs with Creamy?
A common pitfall is overcooking the meatballs, which can make them tough. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 160°F.
Best Ways to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Creamy
To complement your Swedish Meatballs with Creamy, consider pairing them with:
- Egg noodles tossed in butter and parsley.
- Creamy mashed potatoes topped with chives.
- Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables for a fresh touch.
Nutrition Facts for Swedish Meatballs with Creamy
Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Swedish Meatballs with Creamy
To store your Swedish Meatballs with Creamy, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. They can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swedish Meatballs with Creamy
Can I freeze Swedish Meatballs with Creamy?
Absolutely! These meatballs freeze well. Just make sure to cool them completely before freezing.
What other sauces can I use for Swedish Meatballs?
You can try a creamy mushroom sauce or a tomato-based sauce for a different flavor profile.
Are Swedish Meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your sauces are gluten-free as well.
Variations of Swedish Meatballs with Creamy You Can Try
Feel free to experiment with these variations:
- Low-carb Swedish meatballs with creamy sauce: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Homemade Swedish meatballs in a creamy gravy: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Traditional Swedish meatballs with cream: Stick to the classic recipe for authentic flavor.
Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce: A Comforting Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Classic Swedish Meatballs cooked in a creamy, savory sauce made with beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, chopped parsley, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and egg until all ingredients are well blended to form the meatball mixture.
- Roll the mixture into 12 large meatballs or 20 smaller ones, depending on your preferred serving size.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly and ensure the meatballs are cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes a light brown roux, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream to the roux. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the sauce simmers and thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors and warm through.
- Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, ideally over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal.
Notes
- This dish is best served hot.
- You can adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
