Swedish meatballs are comfort food at its finest — tender, flavorful, and coated in a creamy sauce that makes every bite irresistible. While you might associate them with holiday feasts or IKEA’s famous cafeteria, making Swedish meatballs at home is quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding.
This recipe gives you juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs with a rich, creamy sauce — all in under 30 minutes. Perfect for family dinners in the United States, United Kingdom, or Canada.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
½ lb (225 g) ground pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 egg
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon allspice (optional for authentic Swedish flavor)
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Cream Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional for Serving:
Egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice
Fresh parsley for garnish
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs
In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg.
Mix until just combined — don’t overwork the meat.
Roll into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
2️⃣ Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter.
Brown meatballs on all sides for 5–6 minutes (they don’t need to cook through completely at this stage).
Remove meatballs and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter.
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Slowly whisk in beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Add heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce.
Simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4️⃣ Finish Cooking the Meatballs
Return browned meatballs to the skillet.
Simmer in the sauce for 5–7 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
Stir gently to coat them in the creamy sauce.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Swedish meatballs are delicious served with:
Egg noodles — traditional and classic
Mashed potatoes — for extra comfort
Rice or roasted vegetables — for a lighter option
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness
⭐ Tips for Perfect Swedish Meatballs
✔ Mix gently — overmixing can make meatballs dense.
✔ Use half beef, half pork — gives the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness.
✔ Don’t skip the browning — caramelized edges add extra flavor.
✔ Simmer gently — high heat can break the sauce or meatballs apart.
✔ Make ahead — meatballs can be frozen before cooking for quick meals.
🌿 Optional Flavor Boosters
A splash of soy sauce or mustard in the sauce
A pinch of cayenne for subtle heat
Mushrooms sautéed into the sauce for added depth
❄ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freeze cooked meatballs with sauce in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick, easy, and under 30 minutes
Tender, juicy meatballs every time
Creamy, flavorful sauce
Perfect comfort food for any season
🥳 Final Thoughts
This quick and delicious Swedish meatball recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, hearty meals. With tender meatballs, a creamy sauce, and simple ingredients, it’s an easy way to bring a taste of Sweden into your home.
Serve with noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice, and you’ll have a dish that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing. 🍝✨