Swedish Meatballs Recipe

4.56 from 472 votes

This Classic Swedish Meatball recipe features perfectly spiced meatballs in a creamy and delicious sauce.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Prep Time10

Cook Time30

Total Time40

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Swedish

Servings:

⅓ cup breadcrumbs
½ cup milk
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 large egg
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 tbsp unsalted butter (⅛ stick)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
½ yellow onion minced
1 clove garlic minced
1 lb. ground chicken use any combination of chicken, turkey, beef, and pork you prefer, or stick to one.
1½ lbs. ground chuck

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover 2 large baking sheets with foil and spray the foil with nonstick spray. Set aside for now.
In a large bowl, combine the 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.
⅓ cup breadcrumbs, ½ cup milk, 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 large egg, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp ground black pepper, ¼ tsp ground allspice, ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil in a medium skillet set 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.
1 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, ½ yellow onion, 1 clove garlic
Once the breadcrumb mixture is ready, add the ground chuck and chicken. Mix well using a wooden spoon.
1 lb. ground chicken, 1½ lbs. ground chuck
Roll meat into 1½" balls (or use a 1½" scoop) and place on the prepared sheet pan 1 inch apart.
Cook 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in the center.

While meatballs are cooking, prepare the sauce: Melt the butter in a large skillet.
6 tbsp unsalted butter
Add the flour to the butter and whisk well. Cook over med-low heat until mixture turns a little darker. Whisk often.
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
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.
14.5 oz. low sodium beef broth, 14.5 oz. low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, ¾ cup sour cream, 1 tsp Beef Instant Bouillon Granules, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, kosher salt
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and add the meatballs. Simmer, stirring gently and often, until gravy has thickened. Add chopped parsley and stir gently.
1-2 tbsp minced fresh parsley
Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or macaroni. If eating Swedish Meatballs without noodles or a side dish, serve with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam on the side, optional.
cranberry sauce

Note: For an optional thickener, before adding the meatballs, mix 1 tbsp of cornstarch and 2 tbsp milk or cold water, and add it to the sauce, stirring over low heat until the mixture thickens.