Swedish Meatballs Recipe: Easy and Delicious
This recipe will guide you through making delicious and authentic Swedish meatballs without the fuss. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy recipe focuses on achieving that signature Swedish flavor with minimal effort. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Feel free to adjust based on your needs.
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For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
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For the Gravy:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for umami depth)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get started with the meatballs:
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In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
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Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Consistency is key here – try to keep them relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step helps develop a delicious crust. Set the browned meatballs aside.
Now, let's make the creamy gravy:
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This is the base of your gravy.
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Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly.
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Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened slightly.
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Stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the browned meatballs to the gravy, ensuring they're fully submerged. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Meal
Serve your Swedish meatballs with classic sides like:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, the perfect accompaniment.
- Egg noodles: A lighter alternative to potatoes.
- Lingonberry jam: The traditional sweet and tart counterpoint to the savory meatballs. This is a must-have!
- Pickled cucumbers: Adds a refreshing, tangy element.
Tips for Success: Pro-Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing develops gluten and results in tough meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs thoroughly: This step adds flavor and texture.
- Simmer the meatballs gently in the gravy: This ensures they cook through and absorb the delicious flavors.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices.
This easy Swedish meatballs recipe delivers authentic flavor and is perfect for any skill level. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #SwedishMeatballs #EasyRecipe #HomeCooking on social media.