Hearty Swedish Meatballs

Name: Hearty Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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There's something incredibly comforting about a plate of hearty Swedish meatballs. This recipe brings together the warmth of spices and the richness of a creamy sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Whether it's a chilly evening or a special occasion, these meatballs are sure to satisfy.

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Ingredients for Hearty Swedish Meatballs

Ground beef and ground pork are the stars here, working together to create a flavorful, juicy base. The pork adds a bit of fat, which keeps the meatballs tender. Breadcrumbs soaked in milk help bind everything together and add moisture. Onion adds a sweet and savory depth, while a large egg helps to hold the meatballs together.

Salt, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper give these meatballs their distinct Swedish flavor. Butter not only browns the meatballs but also forms the base of the sauce. The flour helps thicken the sauce, while beef broth adds a rich, deep flavor. Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth, with a touch of soy sauce and Dijon mustard for a subtle tang and complexity.

Tips & Tricks

Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform meatball sizes, which helps them cook evenly.
For extra flavor, you can sauté the onions before adding them to the meat mixture.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
Make ahead and freeze uncooked meatballs for a quick meal later.

Serving Suggestions

These meatballs pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles, allowing the sauce to be fully enjoyed. Add a side of steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside freshly baked rolls to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce separately, then combine and heat before serving.
What can I use instead of beef broth?: Chicken or vegetable broth can work in a pinch, but beef broth adds more depth to the flavor.
Can I use only beef or only pork?: You can, but a mix of both meats gives the best flavor and texture.

Hearty Swedish Meatballs Recipe Walkthrough

Start by combining the breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes so the breadcrumbs can soak up the milk, becoming soft and ready to bind the meatballs.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked breadcrumbs with ground beef, ground pork, onion, egg, salt, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until just combined. You don't want to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. This size is perfect for cooking evenly and ensures each bite is full of flavor. Set the meatballs aside on a plate.

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides; this should take about 7 to 10 minutes. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Without cleaning the skillet, add the flour to the remaining butter and drippings. Whisk it for about a minute to cook out the raw flavor. Gradually stir in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and bring it to a simmer.

Once the broth is simmering, stir in the heavy cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Allow it to come to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Return the meatballs to the skillet, gently nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes to ensure they're cooked through and have absorbed some of the sauce's flavors.

Serve the meatballs hot, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a bit of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Perfect blend of beef and pork for juicy, flavorful meatballs.
Rich, creamy sauce with a touch of spice.
Easy to make with simple ingredients found in most kitchens.
Great for meal prep and freezes well.
Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 large egg

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground allspice

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl; let sit for 5 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumb mixture, onion, egg, salt, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper until well combined.

3. Shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

4. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 7-10 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.

5. To the same skillet, add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer.

6. Stir in heavy cream, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard; bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

7. Return meatballs to the skillet, simmer in the sauce until cooked through, about 10 minutes.

8. Serve meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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