Topped with a creamy gravy, these homemade Swedish meatballs are simple, flavorful, and tender! No trip to Ikea required.
Over the years, I have made many-a-meatball; but never Swedish. I think it’s because I didn’t grow up eating them. My only real exposure was seeing them on the café menu at Ikea.
I was really missing out! With only a few simple ingredients, these meatballs are moist and super flavorful!
How to Make the Best Meatballs
- Mix well to evenly distribute spices; however, over-mixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Sometimes- I grate some fresh onion for moisture and flavor!
- Use a cookie scoop for evenly-sized balls.
- Fattier meats will create more tender meatballs.
Ingredients in Swedish Meatballs
Ground Beef
Ground Pork
Allspice
Nutmeg
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Gluten Free Breadcrumbs
One Egg or Egg Whites
What are Swedish Meatballs?
Swedish meatballs are created with a mixture of beef and pork or veal. Many recipes also use a little nutmeg and allspice. Then, the meatballs are cooked in hot butter. They are served over mashed potatoes with a creamy, beef gravy and lingonberry jam.
What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
I immediately associate Swedish meatballs with buttered noodles- intrinsically linked for eternity. Actually, they are traditionally served over mashed potatoes. Who knew?!? (Besides the Swedish, of course…) Aside from these classic pairings, there are a number of other great alternatives! And maybe throw in a green vegetable too!
- Mashed Potatoes
- Smashed Potatoes
- Buttered Noodles
- Spaghetti Squash
- Cauliflower Mash
- Rice
- Bread
Can you bake meatballs?
Yes! Baking meatballs is a great option based on your preferences and time constraints. They can be baked at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Since you are not browning the beef in a skillet prior to making the gravy, you will lose some of the beef flavor in your gravy…but it will not dramatically affect your finished dish.
45 minutes
Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. butter
Meatballs
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1/2 lb. ground pork
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. allspice
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 c. gluten free breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- 4 Tbsp. egg whites or 1 egg
Gravy
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 Tbsp. gluten free flour
- 2 c. beef broth
- 1 c. milk (can use dairy free)
- Optional: parsley
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add all of the meatball ingredients. Use clean hands to mix until well combined. Next, scoop and roll into 12-16 meatballs.
- Heat a large skillet with 1 Tbsp. of olive oil and 1 Tbsp. of butter over medium-high heat. Then, add the meatballs and cook, turning every few minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 Tbsp. of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Next, allow to cook for 1-2 minutes. Then, whisk in the beef broth and milk. Bring mixture to a boil. Lower the temperature to medium and allow to simmer for 8-10 minutes, until a thickened gravy is formed. Season with salt and pepper. Finally, add the meatballs back to the skillet.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.