Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy
Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy are tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs simmered in a creamy, luscious gravy that delivers authentic Swedish flavors. This comforting and satisfying dish features a blend of ground beef and pork, warm spices, and a smooth sour cream-based sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Easy to prepare and versatile, these meatballs offer a cozy meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour)
Meatballs
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Browning & Gravy
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef and pork with finely chopped onions, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated without overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, uniform balls about one inch in diameter for even cooking and presentation. Set them aside on a plate or tray.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides until they develop a golden crust. Remove meatballs and set aside.
- Create the Gravy Base: In the same skillet, melt additional butter if needed. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook for a few minutes until golden and nutty.
- Add Broth and Cream: Slowly whisk in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream or sour cream, then return meatballs to the skillet. Let simmer gently as the gravy thickens and flavors meld.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Once the gravy is thick and glossy, serve the Swedish Meatballs hot with your preferred sides.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
- Brown meatballs thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Whisk the roux well before adding broth to avoid lumps.
- Let meatballs rest briefly in gravy off heat to blend flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Swedish meatballs, creamy gravy, comfort food, traditional Swedish recipe, easy dinner, meatball recipe