This Swedish Meatballs Recipe is warm, cozy, and simple to make at home. The meatballs are soft, juicy, and full of gentle spice. The creamy sauce is smooth and rich, with a light savory smell that fills the kitchen fast. This is one of those easy meals with ground beef that feels special but still fits busy days. If you need quick dinner ideas that everyone enjoys, this recipe is a great place to start. Save it now, because you will want it again on lazy dinners when comfort food sounds perfect.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 half cup breadcrumbs
- 1 quarter cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 half teaspoon black pepper
- 1 quarter teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 quarter teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 half cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Step By Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls using clean hands. Place them on a plate so they are ready to cook.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the meatballs and cook, turning gently, until browned on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a clean plate.
- In the same skillet, sprinkle in the flour and stir for one minute until smooth and lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes.
- Add the cream and soy sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer until silky.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet. Spoon sauce over them and simmer for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not overmix the meat. This can make the meatballs tough instead of tender. Keep the heat at medium so the butter does not burn. Make sure the sauce simmers gently, not fast, so it stays smooth. These small steps make a big difference in ground beef dishes like this one.
Tips For Success
Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible for a softer texture. Let the meatballs rest for a minute before adding them back to the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth. This Swedish Meatballs Recipe works well as one of those reliable dinner ideas with ground beef that never feels boring.
How To Serve
Serve these meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or plain rice. Add a spoon of sauce on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A simple salad or steamed green beans work well on the side. If you enjoy trying other recipes using ground beef, you may also like this ground beef orzo with tomato for a fresh and filling meal.
Flavor Add In Ideas
Add a small spoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra depth. A pinch of paprika adds warmth without heat. You can also mix a little Worcestershire sauce into the meat mixture. These ideas are helpful when you want new things to do with ground beef without changing the whole recipe.
Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls using clean hands. Place them on a plate so they are ready to cook.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the meatballs and cook, turning gently, until browned on all sides.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a clean plate.
- In the same skillet, sprinkle in the flour and stir for one minute until smooth and lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Let the sauce thicken for a few minutes.
- Add the cream and soy sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer until silky.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet. Spoon sauce over them and simmer for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
Notes
Make Ahead And Storage
You can shape the meatballs ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge for one day. Cooked meatballs keep well in the fridge for up to three days. Store them in the sauce so they stay moist. Reheat gently on the stove. For more lazy dinners, this dish is great for meal prep and busy weeks.
FAQS
Can I freeze Swedish meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze them cooked or uncooked. Freeze in a single layer first, then store in a sealed bag. This makes them perfect for quick dinner ideas later.
Can I use only ground beef?
Yes, this recipe uses only ground beef and still turns out tender and flavorful. It fits well with other ground hamburger recipes you may already make at home.
What can I serve instead of potatoes?
Egg noodles, rice, or even crusty bread work well. If you like variety, try pairing this with other easy meals with ground beef like this ground beef Philly cheesesteaks recipe on another night.
Conclusion
This Swedish Meatballs Recipe is simple, comforting, and perfect for busy days. It uses basic ingredients and turns them into something warm and satisfying. If you enjoy ground beef casserole recipes or quick meals, this one deserves a spot in your kitchen. For more inspiration, explore this Mediterranean ground beef stir fry Italy style or try bold flavors like this firecracker ground beef seasoning recipes. Save this recipe, share it on Pinterest, and keep it close for cozy dinners you will love making again.