Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy

Here’s a classic recipe for Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy, a rich and comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs in a smooth, creamy gravy. It’s perfect served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or over egg noodles!

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter (for frying)

For the Creamy Gravy:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (for color and depth of flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs soak up the milk.
• In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Use your hands to mix until the ingredients are evenly combined.

2. Shape the Meatballs:

• Wet your hands with a little water to prevent the meat from sticking, and shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-25 meatballs.

3. Fry the Meatballs:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) and fry them for about 5-7 minutes, turning them frequently until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
• Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

4. Make the Gravy:

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes to make a roux (it should turn a light golden color).
• Slowly add the beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the soy sauce for added depth of flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
• Add the heavy cream to the gravy and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Meatballs and Gravy:

• Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Simmer them in the gravy for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to heat through.

6. Serve:

• Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, spooning the creamy gravy over the top. They’re perfect with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even rice, and a side of lingonberry jam for a traditional touch.

These Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy are rich, flavorful, and comforting. The tender meatballs paired with the creamy gravy create a deliciously indulgent dish that’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal. Enjoy!