Homemade Swedish Style Meatballs with Sauce
These swedish meatballs come together quickly with a blend of ground beef and pork, savory spices, and a creamy sauce. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Try these also: Classic Pork Dry Rub and Honey Braised Brisket.
Are you craving a taste of Scandinavian right in your kitchen? If so, then you’re in luck! Making Swedish style meatballs at home is easier than you might think. They come together in just a few steps and are sure to become a comfort food favorite.
Swedish style meatballs, also known as köttbullar, are small, seasoned meatballs typically made from a mixture of ground beef and pork. What sets them apart from other meatballs is their distinct blend of spices, including nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes ginger, giving them a warm and aromatic flavor profile. These meatballs are often served with a rich and creamy gravy, alongside lingonberry sauce for a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting family dinner or as part of a festive holiday spread, these meatballs have a way of bringing people together and creating memorable moments around the dinner table.
Plus, they’re incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, from traditional with mashed potatoes or egg noodles to modern twists like meatball sliders or pasta dishes.
So, get ready to savor every bite and experience the warmth of Swedish hospitality right in your own kitchen!
Swedish Style Meatballs
Why You’ll Love Swedish Style Meatballs
These little flavor bombs have it all – from their perfectly seasoned meat to that creamy sauce that hugs each ball like a warm blanket. Here are the reasons why this easy Swedish meatball recipe must belong to your repertoire.
- Irresistible Flavor: The blend of spices in meatballs creates a uniquely delicious flavor profile that’s both comforting and satisfying.
- Tender Texture: Thanks to a careful mix of meats and the addition of breadcrumbs and eggs, these meatballs boast a wonderfully tender texture.
- Versatility: Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a smorgasbord spread, Swedish meatballs are incredibly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Easy Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Almond flour
- Nutmeg
- Onion
- Powder
- Pepper
- Salt
- Avocado oil
- Butter
- All purpose flour
- Beef bouillon cubes or beef broth
- Water
- Heavy cream
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl hand mix, ground beef, almond flour, nutmeg, onion, garlic, pepper, and salt.
- Once all spices are incorporated into the ground beef, roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat avocado oil in a deep fry pan or skillet, and fry meatballs in batches until cooked through.
- Remove all meatballs from the pan once cooked, add butter, and let it melt.
- Add flour to butter and whisk until smooth cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden in color.
- In a large measuring cup add 2 bouillon cubes and 2 cups boiling water.
- Once the bouillon is dissolved add to the frying pan with flour mixture whisking as you pour.
- Let cook for 3-5 minutes until boiling and all flour lumps have been whisked smooth.
- Add heavy cream and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add meatballs back to the pan and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
What to Serve with Swedish Style Meatballs
These meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry jam, mashed potatoes, and pickled cucumbers. The tangy sweetness of the lingonberry jam complements the savory meatballs perfectly, while the creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base. Swap the mashed potatoes for rice or egg noodles for a delicious meal.
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Where to Find Lingonberry Jam
If you have an IKEA near you, pick up lingonberry jam there (and you can grab some frozen meatballs, too, for an even quicker Swedish meatball meal!). You can also find Swedish lingonberry jam at specialty stores, World Market, or on Amazon.
Spice Up: Variations for Swedish Style Meatballs
While this meatball recipe is undeniably delicious, there are countless variations you can try to switch things up. Consider adding grated cheese to the meat mixture for extra richness, or swapping out the beef and pork to make ground chicken or turkey meatballs for a lighter option. You can also experiment with different spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.
For the sauce, this recipe uses a basic white sauce – a flour and butter roux, mixed with beef broth, with cream added at the end. To make a more savory Swedish meatball sauce, begin with the roux but add a teaspoon of dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce to the bouillon broth, plus a bit of parsley. Stir in a dollop of sour cream to make the sauce thick and creamy.
Recipe Storing Tips for Swedish Style Meatballs
If you find yourself with leftovers, these meatballs can be easily stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. They also freeze well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later enjoyment. Simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Facts about Meatballs
- Meatballs have been enjoyed in various forms across cultures for centuries, with recipes dating back to ancient Rome.
- In Sweden, meatballs are a beloved part of the culinary tradition and are often served on special occasions and holidays.
A Taste of Sweden: Make Authentic Meatballs at Home!
Swedish Style Meatballs
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef ground
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ⅕ cup onion minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 beef bouillon cubes
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp almond flour
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl hand mix, ground beef, almond flour, nutmeg, onion, garlic, pepper, and salt.
- Once all spices are incorporated into the ground beef, roll into 1 inch meatballs.
- Heat avocado oil in a deep fry pan, fry meatballs in batches until cooked through.
- Remove all meatballs from the pan once cooked, add butter and let it melt.
- Add flour to butter and whisk until smooth cooking for 2-3 minutes until golden in color.
- In a large measuring cup add 2 bouillon cubes and 2 cups boiling water.
- Once the bouillon is dissolved add to the fry pan with flour mixture whisking as you pour.
- Let cook for 3-5 minutes until boiling and all flour lumps have been whisked smooth.
- Add heavy cream and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add meatballs back to the pan and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.
Common Questions about Swedish Style Meatballs:
- Are Swedish meatballs the same as Italian meatballs? While both dishes feature seasoned meat formed into balls, Swedish meatballs are typically smaller and flavored with a different blend of spices.
- What is lingonberry jam, and where can I find it? Lingonberry jam is a sweet-tart condiment commonly served with Swedish meatballs. It can often be found in specialty grocery stores or online.
Now that you have the recipe for Swedish style meatballs, it’s time to get cooking and savor the flavors of Scandinavia in your own home! Bon appétit!
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Cassity Kmetzsch started Remodelaholic after graduating from Utah State University with a degree in Interior Design. Remodelaholic is the place to share her love for knocking out walls, and building everything back up again to not only add function but beauty to her home. Together with her husband Justin, they have remodeled 6 homes and are working on a seventh. She is a mother of four amazing girls. Making a house a home is her favorite hobby.