Swedish Meatballs are something every type of cook, from home cook to master chef, should know how to make. This delicious recipe features a simple and juicy meatball that anyone can make, baked in the absolute best sauce ever. This classic Swedish Meatball Recipe is one your entire family will love.
Swedish Meatballs in Sauce
This recipe is close to my heart because my Mom has been making them for years. She has so many great recipes (including her Creamy Chicken Soup), but this is one of my favorite recipes that she makes. It’s great because it can be a meal or an appetizer, and the meatball sauce that goes with it is second to none!
This classic meatball recipe is one that I’ve needed to learn for YEARS and I’m so glad I finally did. They’re great for game day, but also amazing served over pasta for a full meal. Just try not to pop them all in your mouth while cooking. That’s the biggest hurdle you have to overcome.
These easy Swedish meatballs are so good on their own, but they’re just too delicious with that SAUCE! What to even call that sauce? I should just make a bunch and bottle it up because it is amaaaazing.
What makes Swedish Meatballs different than regular meatballs?
The difference is all in the flavor. Yes, it’s still just a ball of meat, but it’s all about the spices we’re using in them (allspice, nutmeg). And that delicious Swedish Meatball Sauce…Once you try it, you’ll understand what’s so great about this recipe. So creamy and dreamy!
Best Swedish Meatball Sauce
Okay, so WHAT is in that amazing sauce, you ask? Trust me, it’s the absolute BEST sauce for meatballs. It’s just so rich and creamy, I’m drooling just thinking about it. The meatballs cook up in it and soak up all the flavor, and you can just drench everything in it…yeah, it’s good.
Here’s what we put in it:
- Butter
- Beef and Chicken Broth
- Heavy Cream
- Sour Cream
- Beef Bouillon Granules
- Soy Sauce
- All-Purpose Flour
- Dijon Mustard
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Cider Vinegar
- Granulated Sugar
- Salt (to taste, if needed) and Pepper
- Parsley
Tell me you’re not ready to eat these yet? You’re going to LOVE them!
How to Make this recipe – Step by Step
I’ve always kind of avoided meatballs because they seem like so much work. Honestly though, they’re a lot easier than I thought!
Yes, you have to roll up your sleeves and roll them into shape, but it’s truly not that difficult. This easy recipe takes about 10 minutes more work than my recipes normally require, but since all the recipes on here are intentionally EASY, that’s not saying much. Its so worth it, trust me.
You can do it, and your family and guests will thank you. These juicy meatballs simply cannot be beat.
Be sure to watch the video for a quick tutorial, and check the recipe card for the full detailed instructions.
Tips for Making Swedish Meatballs
What are meatballs made of?
Traditionally, they are made from a mixture of pork and beef, but we used chicken (instead of pork) and ground chuck. I just think chicken is a great option for meatballs, and it is a leaner option too.
If you prefer, you can follow this recipe and substitute the pork/beef instead. Or you can use all of one type of meat. It’s totally up to you!
How do you the sauce without sacrificing flavor:
Before adding the meatballs, mix together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons milk or cold water and add it to the sauce, stir over low heat until mixture thickens.
Can you freeze Swedish Meatballs?
ABSOLUTELY! These are such a great thing to make ahead and freeze, especially if you’re preparing for a big party (hello New Year’s Eve appetizers). Divide the meatballs and sauce into separate freezer safe containers, and then you can store up to 3 months. YUM!
The tradition of serving Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Jam?
Serving these meatballs with Lingonberry Jam sure is a tasty tradition!
We will definitely serve this meal along with this tasty jam going forward. If you can’t find it, cranberry sauce or jelly would be equally as delicious. It’s just a fun little twist to this delicious appetizer. We tried both the jam and cranberry sauce and loved them both! It’s such a nice savory sweet flavor combination.
You can serve this easy meatball recipe on its own, bathed in that creamy sauce. This is the perfect way to do it for easy appetizers on game day or at parties. But if you want to make these for dinner, try serving them over pasta (the traditional way to do it). Or you could serve them with buttery roasted potatoes and some crusty bread. You can’t go wrong when that Swedish Meatball Sauce is involved (dip that bread in the sauce and thank me later!).
These Easy Swedish Meatballs with the BEST sauce will knock your socks off. If your family is anything like ours, I know these meatballs will be requested time and time again. Just try your best not to eat all that sauce with a spoon. IT’S TEMPTING, I know!
If you’re looking for the perfect meatball recipe, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of our other favorites:
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatballs
- Mozzarella Stuffed Italian Meatballs
- Classic Meatball Recipe
- Peruvian Chicken Meatballs
- Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
- Orange Marmalade Meatballs
- Buffalo Chicken Meatballs (Stuffed with Blue Cheese!)
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons cream
- 1 egg large
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ½ yellow onion minced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1½ pound ground chuck
For the Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour *See NOTE for an optional thickener
- 14.5 ounces low sodium beef broth
- 14.5 ounces low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Beef Instant Bouillon Granules I use Wyler’s
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt if needed. Taste first.
- 1-2 tablespoons parsley minced
Optional for Serving
- Lingonberry Jam or Cranberry Sauce
Instructions
For the Meatballs:
- Cover 2 large cooking sheets with foil and spray the foil with cooking spray. Preheat oven to 400F.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, milk, cream, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg and parsley. Set the mixture aside to allow the milk to soak into the breadcrumbs, at least 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Transfer the onion/garlic mixture to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Once the breadcrumb mixture is ready, add the ground chuck and chicken. Mix well using a wooden spoon. Roll meat into 1½-inch balls (or use a 1½ inch scoop) and place on the prepared sheet pan 1 inch apart. Cook 20 minutes or until no longer pink in the center.
For the Sauce:
- While meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce.
**See NOTE before reading further
- Melt the butter in a large skillet. Add the flour to the butter and whisk well. Cook over med-low heat until mixture turns a little darker. Whisk often. Add beef broth, chicken broth, cream, sour cream, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, sugar and black pepper. Taste, then season with salt, if needed. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and add the meatballs. Simmer, stirring gently & often, until gravy has thickened. Add chopped parsley and stir gently.
- Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes or macaroni.
- If eating Swedish Meatballs without noodles or a side dish, serve with a teaspoon of Lingonberry Jam or Cranberry Sauce on the side, optional.
- Enjoy!
My mother always served swedish meatballs with dill pickle chips in the sauce and I love it that way.
That sounds amazing!
We Made this for dinner this evening. It was excellent!
I made just a little change. Instead of boullion granules, i used veal demi glaCe from willians sonOma.
Thank you for all you do.
Awesome!!! Thanks for letting me know :)
Can you prep meatballs agead of time?
Yes you could. Hope you love the recipe!
CaN you make the meatballs a couple of hours ahead?
Made this for dinner. Used ground chicken and hamburger. We loved this. Best Swedish meatballs we’ve ever had!!Will always make this.
YAY! Just made my night to hear that. SO happy you loved them!
Just made this and it is really good. I used the ground pork. Also used half &half since I didn’t want to drive 15 miles to get cream and I don’t think it made any difference. Definitely a keeper.
Wow! I must try this at home.
recipe calls for 2 TBS of cream WHAT KIND?
heavy whipping cream is what i assume
Yes, that’s right. Thanks!
Ever ever garlic in Swedish meatballs! Also never chicken and beef together!
Ulla she’s giving the option, I’m sure to either lighten the recipe with the ground chicken or keep it rich with the ground pork. Also garlic may not be your traditional way but I guarantee it adds flavor. Use it or leave it out. It’s not the end of the world
Ulla is right….Good taste with garlic. But not Swedish though…
..and Yes, I am the Swedish Chef….-)
Recipes look great.