Delicious Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy: A Comforting Recipe to Try Today

There’s something incredibly comforting about a plate of Swedish meatballs smothered in creamy gravy.

These little bites of joy have a rich history rooted in Swedish tradition, often served with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes.

I love how they bring a taste of Scandinavia right to my kitchen, making any meal feel special.

Ingredient List

For my Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy, I gather these fresh ingredients:

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 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

Creamy Gravy

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley (for serving)

These ingredients create a mouthwatering dish that transports me straight to Scandinavia with every bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs
   In a large bowl, I combine 1 pound of ground beef and 1 pound of ground pork. Then I add 1 cup of breadcrumbs for texture and 1/4 cup of milk to keep the meatballs moist. I mix in 1 finely chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic for flavor. To season, I sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of allspice, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg. I mix everything gently until well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs
   With clean hands, I scoop about 1 inch of the meat mixture and roll it into balls. I place each meatball onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This recipe typically yields around 24 meatballs.
3. Cook the Meatballs
   In a large skillet, I heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, I carefully add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. I cook them for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. I transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set them aside.
4. Make the Creamy Gravy
   In the same skillet, I add an additional 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, I whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until it turns golden. Gradually, I pour in 2 cups of beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. I let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.
5. Add Flavor to the Gravy
   To my thickened gravy, I stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream for richness. I season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, I’ll also add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
6. Combine Meatballs and Gravy
   I gently add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the gravy. I ensure each meatball is coated well and let them simmer together for an additional 5 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve
   I serve the Swedish meatballs warm over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. I like to garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor. For an authentic touch, I accompany the dish with lingonberry sauce on the side.

Recipe Notes & Variations

When making Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy, I often consider a few helpful notes and fun variations to customize the dish to my taste.

Meat Options

While I love the traditional combination of ground beef and ground pork, I sometimes switch it up by using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can use shredded cooked chicken or turkey as an alternative, which still brings delicious flavor to the meatballs.

Spices and Seasonings

I enjoy experimenting with different spices to add a unique twist. Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or ground allspice for an enhanced flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also be mixed into the meatball mixture for extra freshness.

Breading Alternatives

Instead of breadcrumbs, I occasionally use crushed crackers or panko for a different texture. This change creates a delightful crunch on the meatballs that I find quite satisfying.

Gravy Consistency

To adjust the gravy’s thickness, I sometimes incorporate a splash of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce. This addition adds creaminess and tang, making the dish even more delicious. If I prefer a lighter gravy, I use less flour or substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.

Serving Suggestions

While I typically serve my meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles, I often try them over rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal. For extra flavor, I serve them with lingonberry sauce, but I also recommend trying cranberry or raspberry sauce for a twist.

Make-Ahead and Freezing

I love preparing a double batch of meatballs. I freeze half for an easy meal later. Just cool the cooked meatballs, then store them in an airtight container. When I’m ready to use them, I thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheating them with the gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving my Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy, I love to create a delightful presentation that enhances the meal’s flavors and textures. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: I find that smooth, buttery mashed potatoes are the classic pairing for Swedish meatballs. The creamy gravy pools beautifully over the top, creating a rich taste experience.
• Egg Noodles: For a more traditional Scandinavian feel, I enjoy serving the meatballs over egg noodles. The noodles soak up the sauce wonderfully and offer a satisfying chew.
• Rice: For a lighter option, I often serve my meatballs over fluffy white or brown rice. This pairing allows the flavors of the meatballs and gravy to shine while keeping the dish balanced.
• Zucchini Noodles: If I’m in the mood for a low-carb alternative, I use spiralized zucchini. It provides a fresh crunch and complements the savory meatballs without the extra carbs.
• Lingonberry Sauce: To elevate the dish further, I always have a small bowl of lingonberry sauce on the side. Its tartness cuts through the richness of the gravy and adds a pop of color to the plate.
• Vegetable Sides: I like to pair the meal with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to add a vibrant color and additional nutrients. Their slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the creamy meatballs.
• Crusty Bread: I also enjoy serving thick slices of crusty bread. It’s perfect for mopping up any remaining gravy, ensuring no delicious drop goes uneaten.

Nutrition Information

I love knowing the nutritional value of the dishes I prepare, especially when they are as delicious as Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy.

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition information for this comforting meal, calculated based on a standard serving size of four meatballs with gravy, served over mashed potatoes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	550
Total Fat	35 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Cholesterol	120 mg
Sodium	800 mg
Total Carbohydrates	35 g
Dietary Fiber	2 g
Sugars	2 g
Protein	25 g

Swedish meatballs provide a satisfying balance of protein and carbohydrates, making them a filling option.

The fat content enhances the richness of the dish, especially with the creamy gravy.

While this dish is indulgent, incorporating vegetable sides can boost the overall nutritional profile.

If you’re concerned about calories or fat, feel free to experiment with ground turkey or chicken instead of the traditional beef and pork mixture.

Switching to low-fat dairy options for the gravy can also help maintain the flavor while reducing calorie count.

Enjoying this dish mindfully will allow me to appreciate its comfort without compromising my health goals.

Conclusion

I hope you’re feeling inspired to whip up some Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy in your own kitchen.

There’s something truly special about this dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or explore the variations I mentioned it’s all about enjoying every bite.

Don’t forget to pair your meatballs with those buttery mashed potatoes or even a fresh salad for a little crunch.

And of course the lingonberry sauce adds that perfect touch of sweetness.

So gather your ingredients and get ready to savor a taste of Scandinavia that’s sure to impress family and friends. Happy cooking!

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