Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy is a comforting classic that features tender, seasoned meatballs smothered in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and parsley if using. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter.
3. Step 3: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
5. Step 5: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the gravy simmer for a few minutes until creamy.
7. Step 7: Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the creamy gravy. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
8. Step 8: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired, alongside mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or sour cream.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the meat mixture for a subtle smoky flavor.
• Use fresh bread crumbs instead of dried for a softer texture in the meatballs.
• Vegetarians can substitute meat with a plant-based ground alternative and use vegetable broth in the gravy.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the gravy from separating. You can also freeze the meatballs in gravy for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Cook and add them to the gravy just before serving to maintain freshness.

What can I serve with Swedish meatballs?

They are traditionally served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, but rice or steamed vegetables also work well to complement the creamy gravy.

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 86 reviews

This classic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy recipe features tender, juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs. Cooked to perfection in a skillet and smothered in a rich, velvety cream gravy, these meatballs are a perfect comfort food. Serve them over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Swedish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Creamy Gravy:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, ground allspice, and chopped parsley if using. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat, which keeps the meatballs tender. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
2. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a golden crust, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
3. Make the Creamy Gravy: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown, forming a roux. Gradually add the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the gravy thickens smoothly. Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the gravy simmer gently for a few minutes until it becomes creamy and luscious.
4. Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the creamy gravy. Gently stir to coat them evenly and allow them to simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors and heat through.
5. Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley if desired. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a complete and comforting meal.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and pork.
• Adding a pinch of allspice and nutmeg is traditional and adds warm flavor.
• Make sure not to overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
• Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Swedish meatballs, creamy gravy, ground beef, ground pork, comfort food, classic recipe, meatballs sauce