This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Swedish Meatball Recipe – Swedish meatballs make a delicious dish with tender meatballs served in a rich, creamy sauce over noodles or mashed potatoes! A favorite family recipe made from scratch!
Swedish Meatballs are one of my favorite recipes from childhood that has remained so as an adult. Tender handmade meatballs made from scratch along with a rich, creamy sauce are absolutely delicious and are a definite family favorite! They are simple to make, yet decadent and impressive to serve, while still comforting to enjoy!
Growing up, whenever Mama would make her Swedish Meatballs, I couldn’t wait until time for supper. I’d stand as close by her side as she’d let me as she cooked, rising up on my tip toes to be able to see into the pots and pans the whole time. Finally, when it was time for supper, it always tasted even better than I remembered.
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
This recipe is made from scratch using simple ingredients, a little time, and a whole lot of love. It is a special appetizer served at parties or as a satisfying meal over mashed potatoes or wide or twirl noodles. While it’s definitely special, this hearty recipe is still simple to make and results in a scrumptious dish perfect for a weeknight meal or even a special occasion!
How to Make Swedish Meatballs
To make the meatballs, mix all the ingredients for the meatballs and set aside.
Using a scoop or spoon, form meatballs from the ground beef mixture. Heat a skillet or saute pan over medium heat. Lightly coat the bottom of the skillet with a drizzle of enough olive oil to prevent meatballs from sticking.
Drop the meatballs into the heated skillet, and turn occasionally to make sure that all sides of the meatball have browned. This should take about 7 to 10 minutes.
Remove the meatballs from the skillet or pan and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
To make the sauce, reduce the heat on the skillet or pan to medium-low heat. Melt the butter and whisk in flour until it turns golden brown.
Then slowly whisk in the beef broth and cook until thickened. Then add in milk or cream, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt.
Continue to stir the sauce until all ingredients are well-combined.
Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet, turning to coat them well with the rich, delicious sauce. Add fresh parsley, if desired.
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs
We always love our Swedish Meatballs served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. When we hosted a Rotary student from Sweden a few years ago, she made sure that we served it with a bit of Lingonberry Jam that she’d brought with her from home. Talk about delicious!
How to Store
Allow to cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Here’s Mama’s Swedish Meatballs recipe. I think you’ll love it.
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons bread or cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
- olive oil
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock or broth
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
For the meatballs:
- Mix together all ingredients for the meatballs. Set aside.
- Using a tablespoon scoop or spoon, form meatballs from the ground beef mixture. Heat 12-inch skillet or saute pan over medium heat. Drizzle in enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the skillet to prevent meatballs from sticking. Drop formed meatballs into the heated skillet, turning occasionally to ensure that all sides of the meatball have been browned, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet or saute pan and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
For the sauce:
- Reduce the heat on the skillet or saute pan to medium-low heat. Melt butter and whisk in flour until it has turned golden brown. Slowly whisk in beef broth and cook until thickened, then add in milk or cream, worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt. Continue to stir until well-combined. Add meatballs back into the skillet, turning to coat well. Add fresh parsley, if using.
Nutritional Information
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
From the Add a Pinch recipe archives. Originally published 2014.
Bought the meatballs from IKEA. Made this sauce and it’s so easy and delicious! I’m going to make the meatballs from this recipe next time!
Thanks, Nanette. I hope you do try it with the meatballs in the recipe.
Very easy to make and all ingredients are pantry friendly. Sauce was a little thick, but used sour cream and a touch of milk to thin it out. Will make regularly! Thank you!
Wanna make for dinner tonight
Hope you enjoy!
My family absolutely loves this meal! Have you (or anyone) ever made the meatballs and sauce in advance and frozen it? I wasn’t sure if it would turn out or if the sauce would get weird.
Brooke, I am not sure how far in advance you’d like to make them, but if you need to freeze them I’d suggest making meatballs, then freezing the meatballs in an airtight container. When time to make for party, thaw the meatballs, then reheat them in pan, then proceed with rest of recipe instructions to make the sauce. I have not tried freezing the sauce.
I have enjoyed all of your recipes that I have printed ! I love reading through them.