Swedish Meatballs

Classic Swedish Meatballs are a cozy and satisfying dish featuring tender meatballs in a rich, creamy gravy, served over buttery egg noodles. With simple ingredients and hearty flavors, it’s the perfect comfort food for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy gravy, seasoned meatballs, and buttery noodles create a perfect harmony of flavors.
• Family-Friendly: A dish everyone at the table will love, from kids to adults.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with different proteins, seasonings, or sides.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

• 3 lb ground beef
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tsp coarse ground salt
• 1 tsp coarse ground pepper

For the Gravy:

• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cans beef consomme (10.5 oz each)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp coarse ground salt
• 1 tsp coarse ground pepper

For Serving/Plating:

• 12 oz medium egg noodles, cooked according to directions
• 1/4 cup butter
• 3 tbsp fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley

Directions

Make the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, eggs, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
2. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cook the Meatballs

3. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per batch. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Gravy

4. In the same skillet, add the flour to the drippings and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
5. Gradually whisk in the beef consomme and Worcestershire sauce, followed by the milk. Continue whisking until the gravy is smooth and begins to thicken.
6. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste. Return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the gravy. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Prepare the Noodles

7. While the meatballs simmer, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss the hot noodles with butter.

Serve

8. Plate the buttered egg noodles and top with the meatballs and gravy. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving

Variations

• Protein Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of pork and beef.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
• Cheesy Addition: Stir in a handful of grated Parmesan or Gruyère to the gravy for added richness.
• Herb Boost: Add thyme, dill, or nutmeg to enhance the traditional Swedish flavor profile.
• Potato Pairing: Serve the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes instead of noodles.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the gravy. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute increments until heated through.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and brown the meatballs, then store them in the refrigerator or freeze for later use.

What is beef consomme?

Beef consomme is a clear, flavorful broth. If unavailable, substitute with beef broth.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture is well combined and avoid overhandling the meat when forming the meatballs.

Can I use fresh bread crumbs?

Yes, fresh bread crumbs work well but may require slightly less quantity.

What sides pair well with Swedish meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad complement this dish beautifully.

Can I use a dairy-free substitute for the gravy?

Yes, use plant-based milk and a vegan butter alternative.

How do I make the dish less rich?

Replace heavy cream with a lighter milk option and reduce the butter.

Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?

Yes, sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor addition.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild, creamy flavors are a hit with kids.

Conclusion

Swedish Meatballs are a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. With tender meatballs, a savory gravy, and buttery noodles, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to customize and packed with rich, hearty flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and again.

true.

Print