Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that warms both the heart and the belly, let me introduce you to my beloved Swedish Meatballs with Gravy. This dish is a true Scandinavian classic that brings comfort to any table. The tender, spiced meatballs swimming in a rich and creamy gravy are simply irresistible! Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy.

What makes these meatballs special is not just their delicious flavor but also how easy they are to prepare. You can whip them up in about 50 minutes, making them perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or a dollop of lingonberry jam for that authentic touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a culinary expert to create this comforting dish.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these flavorful meatballs, making them great for family dinners.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and heat them up when you’re ready to eat.
• Rich flavors: The combination of spices and creamy gravy creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that come together beautifully in this recipe for Swedish Meatballs with Gravy.

For the Meatballs

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 small onion (finely grated or minced)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy

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

Variations

One of the best things about Swedish Meatballs with Gravy is its flexibility! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add some veggies: Mix in grated carrots or finely chopped spinach into the meatball mixture for extra nutrition.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch in place of flour for thickening the gravy.
• Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes into your meatball mixture.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs soak up the milk. Then add ground beef, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these ingredients well ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Form the mixture into small balls—about one inch in diameter—and place them on a plate.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Once it’s hot, gently add your meatballs in batches so they have room to brown evenly. Sauté them until they’re golden on all sides; this step adds depth of flavor through caramelization. Once they’re cooked through, transfer them onto a plate while we make our gravy.

Step 3: Make the Gravy

In the same skillet where you cooked your meatballs (don’t worry about those tasty bits stuck on!), melt more butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth—this will thicken your gravy beautifully! Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring continuously. The key here is to avoid lumps. After bringing it to a gentle simmer, stir in heavy cream and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce), then season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs with Gravy

Return those delicious meatballs back into the skillet filled with gravy. Allow them to simmer together for about 10 minutes on low heat; this allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly!

And there you have it—delicious Swedish Meatballs with Gravy ready to serve! Enjoy them over mashed potatoes or alongside pickled cucumbers for an authentic experience that will surely bring joy to your dinner table.

Pro Tips for Making Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Creating the perfect Swedish meatballs takes a little practice, but with these pro tips, you’ll be on your way to a delicious dinner in no time!

• Use fresh breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs absorb moisture better than dried ones, resulting in juicier meatballs that won’t fall apart during cooking.

• Don’t overmix the meat: When combining the meat and other ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs instead of the tender texture you want.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Every palate is different! Taste the mixture before rolling it into meatballs, and adjust salt and spices according to your preference.

• Cook in batches: If your skillet is crowded, the meatballs will steam rather than brown. Cooking them in batches ensures each meatball gets that beautiful golden crust.

• Let the sauce simmer: After adding the meatballs to the gravy, let them simmer gently for a few minutes. This allows them to absorb more flavor from the sauce and ensures they’re cooked through.

How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Serving Swedish meatballs is all about creating a cozy atmosphere that highlights their rich flavors. With just a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate this classic dish into something truly special!

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the plate.
• Lingonberry jam: This sweet-tart jelly is a traditional accompaniment that complements the savory flavors of the meatballs beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that soak up the delicious gravy perfectly, making every bite comforting and hearty.

• Roasted vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts provides a lovely contrast in texture and flavor while adding some nutrition to your plate.

• Pickled cucumbers: Their tangy flavor cuts through the richness of the meatballs and gravy, offering a refreshing crunch that balances out your meal.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your homemade Swedish Meatballs with Gravy! Enjoy every mouthful of this Scandinavian delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Swedish Meatballs with Gravy recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy comforting flavors throughout the week without the fuss. Let’s dive into how to make the most of your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cooked meatballs and gravy to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the meatballs and gravy to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• After cooking, let the meatballs cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months; just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Heat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
• If using a microwave, cover and heat in short intervals, stirring frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Swedish Meatballs with Gravy.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for Swedish Meatballs with Gravy?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that will still yield delicious meatballs. Just adjust seasoning as needed since turkey can be milder in flavor.

How can I make Swedish Meatballs with Gravy gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for thickening the gravy.

What should I serve with Swedish Meatballs with Gravy?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or pickled cucumbers for that authentic Scandinavian experience.

Can I add vegetables to my Swedish Meatballs?

Absolutely! Chopped spinach or grated zucchini can enhance nutrition and flavor without altering the essence of the dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delightful Swedish Meatballs with Gravy! They are not only comforting but also versatile enough to suit your family’s taste. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, they are sure to impress. Enjoy each bite and happy cooking!