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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 Meatball recipe, 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 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!
Here’s how I make them.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- ground beef
- garlic
- onion
- egg
- salt
- black pepper
- bread crumbs or cracker crumbs
- fresh parsley (optional)
- olive oil
For the Sauce
- butter
- flour
- beef stock or broth
- whole milk – you can use heavy cream for an even richer sauce
- Worcestershire sauce – you can also use coconut aminos
- salt
- black pepper
- fresh parsley (optional)
Step by Step Instructions
For the Meatballs
- Prep. Mix all the ingredients for the meatballs and set aside.
- Make Meatballs. Using a scoop or spoon, form meatballs from the ground beef mixture.
- Prep Skillet. 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.
- Cook Meatballs. 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.
- Drain on Plate. Once meatballs are done, remove the meatballs from the skillet or pan and drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
For the Sauce
- Melt Butter. Reduce the heat on the skillet or pan to medium-low heat. Melt the butter and whisk in flour until it turns golden brown.
- Add Ingredients. Then slowly whisk in the beef broth and cook until thickened. Then add in milk or cream, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and salt.
- Stir Sauce. Continue to stir the sauce until all ingredients are well-combined.
- Add Meatballs. 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 mashed potatoes or egg noodles. 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. It was a delicious variation for us and a great memory as well.
How to Store
In Refrigerator
Allow to cool. Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
In Freezer
After meatballs are cool, place in airtight freezer safe container. Place in freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow to thaw overnight in refrigerator. Reheat meatballs and sauce in skillet over low-medium heat. Serve over noodles, mashed potatoes or alone as an appetizer. Enjoy!
More Delicious Ground Beef Recipes
Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs
Skillet Lasagna or Best Lasagna Recipe
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.
Simply delicious and easy to make.
Delicious and easy! Even my toddlers liked it!
How many servings is this please?
This recipe makes 6 servings, Keegan. Hope you enjoy!
Will oatmilk or some other type of nondairy substitute work with this recipe?
I haven’t made this with nondairy substitute like oat milk, Charlene, but I don’t see a reason it would not work. Hope you enjoy!
So easy and SO good! Made the sauce to go over IKEA frozen meatballs I cooked in the slow cooker. Will definitely be making this again!
I’m so glad you liked the sauce recipe for the meatballs, Alison. I hope you try the meatball recipe next time.