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Authentic Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Transport yourself to a Swedish Christmas Eve with this treasured family recipe! These incredibly soft and flavorful meatballs are a nostalgic centerpiece of our annual smorgasbord. My mother still recounts tales of my toddler self devouring these tender morsels—a testament to their irresistible taste. Unlike many Scandinavian dishes, these meatballs aren't spicy, boasting a rich, savory profile that's perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or even a casual weeknight meal. Enjoy them warm, cold, or straight from the freezer—yes, they freeze beautifully! This recipe offers flexibility: feel free to use beef and pork only if you prefer to skip veal. But don't even think about serving them with spaghetti—their delicate seasonings are best enjoyed on their own or with the classic gravy (recipe included!). Prepare to be amazed by how incredibly tender these meatballs are—a simple chilling trick ensures perfectly round, juicy results every time. Make a big batch (I often make 100!) and freeze them for future meals. This is more than a recipe; it's a heartwarming tradition.

Prep Time 45 mins
Cook Time 50 mins
Calories 433.2 kcal
Protein 51g
Rating 3.9 (11 Reviews)
Authentic Swedish Meatballs

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Authentic Swedish Meatballs

  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • Onions
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 lb ground veal (or substitute with extra beef/pork)
  • 1 large egg
  • Ground Allspice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • White Pepper
  • Pan Juices
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for gravy, optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for gravy, optional)

How to Make Authentic Swedish Meatballs

  1. In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, ground pork, ground veal (or extra beef and pork), breadcrumbs, egg, milk, finely chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
  2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). This chilling step is crucial for preventing flat meatballs.
  3. Once chilled, roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of oil. Brown the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This will take about 15-20 minutes. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
  5. For the gravy (optional): In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring until smooth. Add the cream and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook until the gravy thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add the browned meatballs to the gravy (if using) and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to heat through and absorb some of the gravy. Serve warm, cold or frozen.
  7. Serve your delicious authentic Swedish Meatballs with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and other traditional Swedish sides!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Small additions can make a big impact! Try a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice blend, or a squeeze of citrus just before serving to really enhance the flavors of your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

10 g

Sugar

3g

Fat

75g

Carbs

3g

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Main Ingredient Preparation Beef Dietary Low Sodium Low Carb Ground Beef Low In Something Meat