Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs are a classic comfort food made from a mix of pork and beef. They are traditionally served with a creamy gravy and mashed potatoes. This recipe focuses on simple ingredients and easy cooking methods to get a great result. You can enjoy these swedish meatballs for a family dinner on any weeknight.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Swedish Meatballs

Why you should make swedish meatballs

These swedish meatballs are incredibly tender because of the combination of meats and breadcrumbs. The sauce is rich and smooth without needing complicated techniques. It is a hearty meal that feels special but requires very little effort in the kitchen. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your cupboard or fridge.

How to cook swedish meatballs

Step 1
Mix the meat: Combine the minced beef and pork in a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it is well combined. Do not overmix the mixture as this can make the swedish meatballs too dense.
Step 2
Shape the balls: Roll the meat mixture into small balls about the size of a walnut. You should be able to make around twenty balls from this amount of mixture. Place them on a plate and let them rest for a few minutes while you heat the pan. This helps the swedish meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
Step 3
Fry the meatballs: Melt a small amount of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the balls in batches so the pan is not crowded. Fry them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the swedish meatballs from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4
Make the gravy: Add the remaining butter and flour to the same pan to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the beef stock and double cream until the sauce thickens. Season with a little more pepper if needed. Place the swedish meatballs back into the gravy and simmer for a minute before serving.

Tips and tricks for swedish meatballs

Using a mix of beef and pork gives the best flavour and texture for swedish meatballs. Make sure the onion is chopped very finely so it blends into the meat mixture properly. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can wet your hands with a little water before rolling the balls.

Chilling the balls in the fridge for ten minutes before frying can also help them stay round. Cook the sauce over a medium heat to prevent the cream from splitting. Always whisk the flour and butter well before adding the liquid to avoid lumps in your swedish meatballs gravy.

You can also try these recipes: grapefruit with sugar, pasta with meat sauce or glazed roast pork leg.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 250 g minced beef
  • 250 g minced pork
  • 1 egg
  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 100 ml milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 25 g butter
  • 2 tablespoons plain flour
  • 300 ml beef stock
  • 100 ml double cream

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:2364 kJ / 565 kcal
  • Fat:42 g
  • - of which saturates:21 g
  • Carbohydrates:17 g
  • - of which sugars:4 g
  • Protein:27 g
  • Fibre:2 g
  • Salt:850 mg

People also ask

A combination of minced beef and minced pork is traditional for swedish meatballs. This mix provides a good balance of fat and flavour which keeps the meat moist and tender.
Yes you can freeze swedish meatballs easily in an airtight container for up to three months. Make sure they have cooled down completely before placing them in the freezer.
Resting the meat mixture and adding an egg and breadcrumbs helps bind everything together. If you handle the swedish meatballs gently while frying and do not crowd the pan they will stay intact.
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