Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish to warm your heart and home, you’ve come to the right place! Swedish Meatballs with Gravy is a beloved classic that brings the flavors of Scandinavia right to your table. These tender, spiced meatballs are swimming in a rich, creamy gravy that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe is sure to delight everyone.

What makes this dish extra special is its ability to transport you to a cozy cabin in the snowy woods of Sweden with every bite. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and fulfilling. Plus, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or pickled cucumbers for an authentic experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious meal on the table in under an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these savory meatballs, making dinner time enjoyable for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the meatballs ahead of time and just heat them up when you’re ready to eat.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of allspice and nutmeg gives these meatballs a unique taste that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this dish shine! You might already have most of these items in your pantry.

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! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Mix in finely chopped spinach or grated carrots into the meat mixture for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick in your meatballs.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives such as almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by combining your breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl. Let them sit for a few minutes until they soak up the milk. This step helps keep your meatballs moist and tender! Next, mix in the ground beef, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. Don’t overmix; we want our meatballs fluffy!

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Using your hands (a little messy but fun!), shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Heat some butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the meatballs in batches. Cook them until they’re browned on all sides—this adds wonderful flavor!

Step 3: Make the Gravy

Once your meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, melt more butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. This helps thicken our gravy! Gradually pour in beef broth while stirring continuously until it thickens. Stir in heavy cream and soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for that creamy richness.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Gently return the meatballs back into the gravy. Let them simmer together for a few minutes so they can soak up all those delicious flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or with your favorite sides!

And there you have it—delicious Swedish Meatballs with Gravy that are sure to bring joy to your dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Making Swedish Meatballs with Gravy is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you get it just right!

• Use fresh breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs absorb moisture better than dried ones, resulting in meatballs that are tender and juicy.
• Don’t overmix the meat: Mixing too much can lead to tough meatballs. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed for a light texture.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste your mixture before forming the meatballs. This way, you can ensure they’re perfectly seasoned according to your preference.
• Sear the meatballs first: Browning the meatballs in a hot skillet adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps seal in juices before simmering them in gravy.
• Let the sauce thicken: If your gravy is too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer to achieve that luscious, creamy consistency that clings perfectly to each meatball.

How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Serving Swedish Meatballs with Gravy can be fun and creative! Here are some ideas to make your dish visually appealing and extra delicious.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
• Lingonberry jam: A dollop of lingonberry jam on the side offers a sweet-tart contrast that pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs.

Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that soak up all that delicious gravy, making each bite irresistible.
• Roasted vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition; try carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans for an added crunch.
• Pickled cucumbers: The tanginess from pickled cucumbers cuts through the richness of the meatballs, providing a refreshing balance on your plate.
• Egg noodles or rice: For a hearty meal, serve your meatballs over egg noodles or fluffy rice, allowing you to enjoy every last bit of gravy.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Swedish Meatballs with Gravy will be an unforgettable culinary experience! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Swedish Meatballs with Gravy recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy comforting meals throughout the week without any fuss. With a few simple steps, you can prepare and store these delicious meatballs for future enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm.
• Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated meatballs, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if needed.
• For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or heat directly from frozen by adding extra time in the saucepan or microwave.
• Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

FAQs

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

Can I make Swedish Meatballs with Gravy ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the meatballs ahead of time, then store them in the fridge or freeze them for later use. Just reheat when you’re ready to eat!

What should I serve with Swedish Meatballs with Gravy?

These flavorful meatballs pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or pickled cucumbers. You can also serve them over egg noodles or rice for a delightful meal!

Are Swedish Meatballs with Gravy suitable for freezing?

Yes! You can freeze Swedish Meatballs with Gravy after cooking. Just follow proper freezing instructions to maintain their texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Swedish Meatballs with Gravy as much as I do! There’s something truly special about sharing this comforting dish with family and friends. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, these meatballs are sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. Happy cooking!