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These Swedish Meatballs are smothered in the most amazing rich and creamy gravy and packed with such delicious flavor. You will quickly agree these are the BEST you have ever had!

Serve these scrumptious meatballs over buttered noodles or rice with a Caesar Salad, and these Perfectly Soft Buttery Rolls for a dinner the whole family will love!

A pan filled with cooked Swedish Meatballs with a wooden spoon. A pan filled with cooked Swedish Meatballs with a wooden spoon.

Reasons This Recipe is the BEST!

  1. 300+ 5 Star Reviews: This recipe, trusted by millions, boasts over 300 five-star reviews. I am confident you’ll love it too!!
  2. Creamy Sauce: The secret lies in the sauce. These meatballs are crafted with a perfect blend of traditional Swedish spices and complemented by a rich, creamy gravy
  3. Better than IKEA: Ever had IKEA Swedish Meatballs? These ones are so easy and WAY better!

A Reader’s Review

I already have a favorite Swedish meatball recipe that I’ve been making for years. So I wasn’t sure the family would like this version and if I’d regret not sticking to my usual. Well, I can say, this is now the family Swedish meatball recipe! So perfect! The sauce was silky and delicious, and the meatballs were juicy and had a lovely flavor. Highly recommend!

-Anna

Swedish Meatball Ingredients

These meatballs have so much flavor and are easy to make! Don’t let this long list intimidate you. I bet you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

What’s in Swedish Meatballs?

  • Ground beef: The main protein base for the meatballs, providing flavor and texture.
  • Panko bread crumbs: Adds lightness and helps bind the meatballs together.
  • Parsley: I use fresh parsley to enhance the taste.
  • Ground allspice: Introduces a warm, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty, warm flavor that complements the beef.
  • Onion: This surprisingly adds a slight sweetness to the meatballs.
  • Garlic powder: You can’t go wrong with garlic!
  • Pepper: This adds in some mild heat.
  • Salt: The salt enhances all of the flavors of the ingredients in the Swedish meatballs.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
  • Olive oil: Used for cooking the meatballs, adding flavor and helps the meatballs to brown.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps in browning the meatballs.
The top view of all of the ingredients, each in their own bowl and labeled individually. The top view of all of the ingredients, each in their own bowl and labeled individually.

What is Swedish Meatball Sauce Made of?

  • Butter: Forms the base of the sauce, providing richness.
  • Flour: Combined with butter to create a roux, the flours helps thicken the sauce.
  • Beef broth: Adds depth of flavor and forms the liquid base of the sauce.
  • Heavy cream: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory depth to the sauce.
  • Dijon mustard: Introduces a slight tang to the sauce without being overwhelming.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors of the sauce.
The top view of all of the sauce ingredients, each in individual glass bowls and labeled. The top view of all of the sauce ingredients, each in individual glass bowls and labeled.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs

These will come together quick and cook in about 30 min total, so dinner is fast and easy!

  1. Combine beef, egg and seasonings: In a medium sized bowl combine ground beef, panko, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt and egg. Mix until combined.
  2. Roll and cook: Roll into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs. In a large skillet heat olive oil and 1 Tablespoon butter. Add the meatballs and cook turning continuously until brown on each side and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
  3. Make the sauce: Add 4 Tablespoons butter and flour to skillet and whisk until it turns brown. Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Add worchestershire sauce and dijon mustard and bring to a simmer until sauce starts to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add meatballs and simmer: Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Serve over egg noodles or rice.
Ground beef and spices combined in a glass bowl.Ground beef and spices combined in a glass bowl.
Combine the meatball ingredients.
Someone rolling out the meat into balls. Someone rolling out the meat into balls.
Roll into balls.
The top view of Swedish meatballs cooking in a pan. The top view of Swedish meatballs cooking in a pan.
Cook and brown the meatballs.
Beef broth being added into a pan. Beef broth being added into a pan.
Make the roux and add the beef broth.
Heavy cream being added into a pan. Heavy cream being added into a pan.
Add the heavy cream.
Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce being added into the Swedish meatball sauce. Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce being added into the Swedish meatball sauce.
Add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce.

Tips and Variations

  • Meat: I love using a mix of beef and pork for these Swedish meatballs. The pork adds extra fat, making them incredibly moist and tender. If you prefer, ground turkey, chicken, or a combination can work beautifully too.
  • Spices: Trust me, the nutmeg and allspice are what make these Swedish meatballs special. Don’t skip them if you want that authentic, divine flavor.
  • Overmixing: Take it from me, be gentle when mixing your meat. Overmixing can make your meatballs tough, and we want them to stay tender.
  • No Bread Crumbs? No Problem: If you’re out of bread crumbs, make a panade by blending two pieces of bread into crumbs and mixing with 1/4 cup milk to form a paste. Add an egg, mix it all up, and you’ll get the same great texture in your meatballs.
  • SautĂ© for Sweetness: SautĂ© your onions first. It gives them a softer, sweeter flavor that really enhances the meatballs.
  • Cream: Stick with heavy cream for the sauce to keep it smooth and rich. If you want to add a bit of tang, swap out some of the cream for sour cream—it’s a delicious twist.

The top view of Swedish meatballs cooked in a pan, without the sauce. The top view of Swedish meatballs cooked in a pan, without the sauce.

Different Cooking Methods

  • Baked: For a foolproof method, brown your Swedish meatballs in a skillet with oil and butter, then finish them in a 350°F oven. This ensures they’re cooked through without any pink.
  • Slow Cooker: Try out this recipe in a slow cooker in a pinch! You an even use frozen meatballs Check out that recipe here: Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs Recipe.

A close up of Swedish meatballs being served on a wooden spoon. A close up of Swedish meatballs being served on a wooden spoon.

Can You Freeze Swedish Meatballs?

Yes! One of the best parts about this recipe is that it’s perfect for doubling up and freezing some for later. These tips will help you enjoy delicious meatballs anytime, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

  • Freeze: After cooking the meatballs, place them on a cookie sheet, ensuring they don’t touch to prevent sticking. Freeze for 2-4 hours, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to use, you can thaw them in the microwave or oven. I prefer partially cooking them in the microwave and finishing them in the sauce.
  • Don’t Freeze the Sauce: Dairy-based sauces, especially those with heavy cream, can separate and turn grainy when thawed. For best results, make the rich gravy fresh when you’re ready to serve.
  • Freezer to Pan: You can also freeze the meatballs raw and cook them directly from frozen. They’ll take longer to cook through but will maintain their shape better than fresh ones. Just ensure they’re fully cooked with no pink remaining.

Swedish meatballs on top of egg noodles in a bowl. Swedish meatballs on top of egg noodles in a bowl.

More Yummy Meatball Recipes

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  • In a medium sized bowl combine ground beef, panko, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt and egg. Mix until combined.

  • Roll into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs. In a large skillet heat olive oil and 1 Tablespoon butter. Add the meatballs and cook turning continuously until brown on each side and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.

  • Add 4 Tablespoons butter and flour to skillet and whisk until it turns brown. Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Add worchestershire sauce and dijon mustard and bring to a simmer until sauce starts to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste.

  • Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Serve over egg noodles or rice.

Originally Posted on August 18, 2016 
Photos Updated on May 16, 2024 

Calories: 499kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 17gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 162mgSodium: 712mgPotassium: 327mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 987IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Swedish Meatballs in a frying pan with a metal spoon. Swedish Meatballs in a frying pan with a metal spoon.