Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce

Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce

Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce are a savory delight that can instantly transport you to a cozy kitchen in Sweden. These juicy, tender meatballs, drenched in a rich and creamy sauce, are not just a dish; they’re a warm hug served on a plate! Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a comforting weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to impress everyone at the table. Fun fact: traditional Swedish meatballs are known as "köttbullar," and they’re often served with lingonberry sauce for a burst of sweetness that complements the rich creaminess. This dish’s simplicity and quick preparation time (under an hour!) make it a perfect weekday meal for families. If you love comfort food like our creamy Chicken Alfredo, this recipe will surely become a beloved staple in your home. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this delectable dish!

What are Swedish Meatballs?

Have you ever wondered what makes a dish truly unforgettable? Swedish meatballs, or "köttbullar," are not just your regular meatballs; they’re a delightful fusion of flavors that originate from Sweden. But why a name that sounds so fancy? Perhaps it’s because these little bites of joy have charmed dinner tables for generations! Have you heard the saying, "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach"? Well, Swedish meatballs might just be the key, unleashing a wave of happiness at your dining table. If you’ve never tried making them, now’s your chance! Grab your apron and join in on the fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce! First and foremost, the main highlight: these meatballs are incredibly flavorful! Juicy, tender, and infused with spices, they melt in your mouth with each bite. Making them at home saves you money while serving up a dish that rivals any restaurant. Plus, the creamy sauce elevates every bite, making it an irresistible comfort food classic. Topped with fresh herbs or paired with lingonberry sauce, these meatballs deliver a delicious balance of flavors that’s perfect for any occasion. If you enjoyed our Garlic Butter Shrimp recipe, you’ll find just as much satisfaction in whipping up these meatballs. Don’t hesitate; gather your family and try this recipe at home!

How to Make Swedish Meatballs

Quick Overview

Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce are incredibly easy to make, delightful to eat, and satisfying for the soul. With an overall preparation time of about 45 minutes, you can serve up this comforting dish in no time. The standout elements include juicy meatballs drenched in a creamy, dreamy sauce that hits all the right flavor notes!

Key Ingredients for Swedish Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (or a blend of beef and turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix well until the ingredients are just combined.

2. Shape the Meatballs:
   Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This should yield around 20 meatballs.

3. Cook the Meatballs:
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Cream Sauce:
   In the same skillet, sprinkle flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, then add the heavy cream and soy sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

5. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
   Add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a classic presentation.

What to Serve Swedish Meatballs With

To create a well-rounded meal, serve Swedish Meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles, which perfectly complement the rich cream sauce. You might also consider pairing them with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a touch of color and crunch. For a delightful drink, a refreshing glass of berry-infused lemonade can elevate the dining experience!

Top Tips for Perfecting Swedish Meatballs

1. Experiment with Meat: Feel free to mix ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a healthier option while still enjoying the beef’s rich flavor.
2. Watch Your Cooking Time: Avoid overcooking the meatballs, as they can become dry. They should be cooked through but still juicy in the center.
3. Flavor Boost: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of garlic powder to the meatball mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
4. Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a bit more beef broth until you reach the desired consistency.

Storing and Reheating Tips

To store leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or heat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to keep the sauce moist. Enjoy the comforting flavors again with minimal effort!

Now that you have everything you need to recreate this delicious dish, it’s time to gather your ingredients and make your very own Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce! Enjoy the process and the delightful aromas that will fill your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce

Deliciously tender and juicy Swedish meatballs served with a rich and creamy sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Swedish

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef (or a blend of beef and turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 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 allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
• 2 tablespoons flour (for thickening)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• to taste Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix well until the ingredients are just combined.
2. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This should yield around 20 meatballs.

Cooking Meatballs

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Making Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, sprinkle flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, then add the heavy cream and soy sauce. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Final Steps

1. Add the cooked meatballs back to the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a classic presentation.

Notes

To create a well-rounded meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.