The Best Homemade Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Kick off your culinary adventure with the best homemade Swedish meatballs recipe—tender, juicy, and smothered in creamy sauce that will leave you craving more.

Share your Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

You’ll love how easy and delicious these homemade Swedish meatballs are, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.

  • Rich, creamy sauce that’s full of flavor but simple to make with everyday ingredients.
  • Tender, juicy meatballs seasoned just right, giving you that classic Swedish taste.
  • Versatile and crowd-pleasing, great over noodles, mashed potatoes, or even as an appetizer.

Recipe

creamy swedish meatball recipe

Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort food, known for their rich, creamy sauce and tender, flavorful meatballs. This homemade version brings the authentic taste of Sweden to your kitchen with simple ingredients and easy steps.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Add ground beef, ground pork, onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until combined.
  3. Shape into small meatballs (about 1-inch diameter).
  4. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add flour and stir to make a roux. Gradually whisk in beef broth, heavy cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Simmer until thickened.
  6. Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes:

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes or lingonberry jam for an authentic touch.

Equipment:

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Whisk

Time:

  • Prep time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes

Cuisine: Swedish

Serving: 6 servings

Nutrition

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and hearty dish, but it’s important to evaluate their nutritional content. Below is the nutritional information for a typical serving.

Nutritional Information:

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories340 kcal
Total Fat22g
Saturated Fat8g
Cholesterol85mg
Sodium520mg
Total Carbohydrate12g
Dietary Fiber1g
Sugars3g
Protein20g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my Swedish meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes; they’re a classic combo that soaks up the sauce perfectly. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, buttered egg noodles are my go-to choice—they’re simple but so satisfying. Both options make the meal feel complete and extra comforting.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

When you’re diving into a plate of homemade Swedish meatballs, you’ll want something creamy and comforting on the side, and that’s where these mashed potatoes come in. I love how their smooth texture pairs perfectly with the rich gravy and tender meatballs. Start by boiling peeled potatoes until they’re fork-tender, then mash them with butter, warm milk, and a pinch of salt. Don’t skimp on the butter—it’s what makes them irresistible! For an extra touch, I sometimes add a bit of garlic or sour cream. They’re simple to make but feel like a warm hug on your plate.

Buttered Egg Noodles

Buttered egg noodles are a simple yet satisfying side that pairs beautifully with Swedish meatballs. I love how their mild, buttery flavor lets the rich gravy shine, while the tender texture soaks up every delicious drop. They’re quick to make—just boil, drain, and toss with a generous knob of butter, a pinch of salt, and maybe a sprinkle of parsley for color. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a hug on a plate. Whenever I serve them, they disappear fast, especially when piled high next to those savory meatballs. Trust me, it’s a match made in dinner heaven.

Share your Recipe