Swedish Meatballs
If you’ve ever tried making Swedish meatballs at home and ended up with dry meatballs or a sauce that tasted bland, you’re not alone. This classic comfort food sounds simple, but getting that tender texture and rich, creamy gravy just right can be tricky.
This Swedish Meatballs recipe solves all of that. The meatballs are juicy, soft, and packed with cozy flavor, while the creamy gravy is smooth, savory, and perfect for spooning over noodles or mashed potatoes. It’s the kind of meal that feels comforting, filling, and family-friendly.
As a longtime recipe blogger who’s tested many versions of this dish, I’ve refined this recipe to be easy, reliable, and full of authentic flavor. In this post, you’ll learn how to make Swedish Meatballs step by step, plus pro tips, variations, and FAQs so they turn out perfect every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Tender and flavorful: Soft meatballs with rich, creamy gravy
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Comfort food classic: Cozy, satisfying, and family-approved
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Great for leftovers: Reheats beautifully for easy meals
Ingredients & Prep
This Swedish Meatballs recipe uses simple ingredients that work together for classic flavor and texture.
Main Ingredients Prep
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Ground beef: Provides rich flavor
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Onion: Finely minced for even texture
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Egg: Helps bind the meatballs
Mix meats gently to avoid dense meatballs.
Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base
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Allspice: Key to classic Swedish flavor
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Nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth
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Garlic powder: Subtle savory note
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Beef broth: Base for the gravy
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Heavy cream: Creates the creamy sauce
Pantry Staples
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Breadcrumbs: Help keep meatballs tender
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Butter: For cooking and gravy
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Flour: Thickens the sauce
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Salt & black pepper: To taste
Preheat your oven to 400°F or prepare a skillet for pan-frying.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep
In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and a splash of milk. Let soak for a minute, then add ground beef, onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently just until combined. Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place on a plate.
Cooking Method (Times & Temps)
Meatballs:
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning gently, for 6–8 minutes until golden on all sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Gravy:
In the same skillet, melt more butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in cream and simmer until thickened.
Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for 5–10 minutes.
Doneness or Texture Check
Meatballs should be cooked through but still tender. The gravy should coat the back of a spoon without being too thick.
Resting or Final Touches
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing: Makes meatballs tough
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Skipping breadcrumbs soak: Leads to dry texture
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Boiling the gravy: Can cause separation
Recommended Tools
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Large skillet
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Cookie scoop for even meatballs
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
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Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce for up to 2 months
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Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave
Flavor Variations
This Swedish Meatballs recipe is easy to adapt.
Spicy Version
Add a pinch of white pepper or cayenne for subtle heat.
Healthy / Special Diet Option
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Lean version: Use ground turkey
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Dairy-free: Use plant-based cream
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Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour
Global Flavor Twist
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German-style: Add mustard to the gravy
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Italian-inspired: Add Parmesan to meatballs
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American comfort: Serve over egg noodles
Serving Suggestions
These Swedish Meatballs are perfect with classic sides.
Serve with:
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Mashed potatoes
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Egg noodles
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Rice or buttered pasta
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Lingonberry-style jam or cranberry sauce
Pair with a simple green salad for balance.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Meatballs and gravy can be made up to 2 days ahead and reheated gently before serving.
How do I fix common mistakes?
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Dry meatballs: Add more soaked breadcrumbs next time
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Thin gravy: Simmer longer or add a bit more flour
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Too salty: Add cream or broth to balance
Conclusion
This Swedish Meatballs recipe delivers everything you want from this classic dish—tender meatballs, rich creamy gravy, and comforting flavor in every bite. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.
If you try this recipe, save it and share it with someone who loves cozy meals. And if you enjoy comforting classics, meatloaf or chicken pot pie would be a perfect recipe to try next. Warm, hearty, and always satisfying.
Ingredients
- Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 small onion finely minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter for cooking
- Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Meatballs
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) or prepare a large skillet for stovetop cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently just until combined—do not overmix.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown meatballs in batches, turning gently, for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer until thickened.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer gently for 5–10 minutes.
Notes
- Soaking breadcrumbs is key to keeping meatballs tender.
- Simmer gravy gently—do not boil, or it may separate.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
