What’s in this Swedish Meatball Recipe?
These chicken and beef meatballs are made with allspice and nutmeg for that specific flavor that makes Swedish meatballs so unique. They’re then cooked in a creamy gravy sauce that is just unbelievably delicious!
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs create a better texture in the meatball mixture. Milk + Cream: Add moisture to the meatballs and makes the sauce creamy. Egg: This binds the ingredients together. Spices: Allspice and nutmeg are important for the warm, comforting flavor of the meatballs. Salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors. Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness to the meatballs and sauce. Butter + Oil: Vegetable oil helps the onions cook without burning, while butter adds richness and helps to thicken the gravy. Onion + Garlic: Adds a savory and earthy flavor to the meatballs. Ground Chuck + Chicken: This mixture of meats makes for a flavorful meatball! You can stick with the more traditional mixture of beef and pork instead if you prefer– just use pork in place of the chicken. All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the gravy. Broth: I used both beef and chicken broth in the sauce, but you can use one or the other if you prefer. Sour Cream: Adds richness and tangy flavor to the sauce. Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of an acidic tang to the sauce. Worcestershire Sauce: This is the perfect mix of savory, salty, and tangy, so it adds great flavor to the sauce. Beef Bouillon: Use instant bouillon granules. This adds a really rich and savory taste to the gravy. Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy ingredient creates more balance in the flavor.
Pro Tip: If you want to turn these meatballs into the coziest meal ever, try this Swedish Meatball Soup!
Easy Swedish Meatballs
You can use frozen meatballs to make this Swedish meatball recipe even easier. You’ll miss out on the warm spices cooked into the meat, but the gravy itself will still add so much flavor. To do this, simply cook your frozen meatballs (use chicken, beef, or pork) according to package instructions, then make the sauce and cook the meatballs in it according to the recipe card below.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container, and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can store the meatballs directly in the sauce, or separate them (both options work fine). To reheat, warm them up in the oven until fully heated through. You can also mix in a bit more cream to help make the sauce creamy again.
How to Freeze
While I do not recommend freezing the sauce, you can freeze the Swedish meatballs for up to 3 months. Freeze in a single layer on a lined baking sheet until solid, about 1-2 hours. Transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag to store. Let thaw overnight before finishing in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
For a really cozy and comforting dinner with these traditional Swedish meatballs, serve them with egg noodles or homemade pasta, and creamy mashed potatoes or these simple roasted potatoes. The gravy coats the pasta and potatoes so beautifully! If you’re serving these as an appetizer, don’t forget the lingonberry jam (or cranberry sauce if you can’t find it!) for dipping.
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