Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

The Recipe Rebel / Dinner

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 24 votes

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

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Last updated on March 1, 2024

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This Swedish Meatballs recipe is made with juicy homemade meatballs, simmered in a rich and creamy beef gravy — perfect for serving or noodles or mashed potatoes! See the step by step recipe video down in the recipe card.

Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (2)

Table of Contents

  • What is in Swedish meatball sauce?
  • Variations and Substitutions:
  • Can I make these Swedish Meatballs in the crockpot?
  • Can I make these meatballs in the Instant Pot?
  • What should I serve with Swedish Meatballs?
  • Swedish Meatballs Recipe

We are a little meatball-obsessed around here, which explains our February theme for 6 Ingredient Staples — this easy Homemade Meatballs recipe.

So far, we’ve used it to make this classic Spaghetti and Meatballs (one of our all time favorite meals!) and now we’re tossing them in a rich and creamy gravy that couldn’t be simpler!

These Swedish Meatballs are totally juicy, loaded with flavor and made with just a few ingredients.

Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (3)

Serve them over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes with a solid ladle of that creamy, beefy gravy and a side salad and one of my Mom’s Homemade Buns for a meal that screams comfort food!

What is in Swedish meatball sauce?

I guess that depends on who you ask 😉

Traditionally, Swedish meatball sauce is a creamy beef gravy that starts with a simple roux (melted butter and flour to thicken), beef stock or broth and a few simple seasonings plus something to make it extra rich and creamy.

Often, that something is sour cream, and since I’m not a big fan of sour cream I usually use heavy cream instead. The heavy cream adds the perfect richness and we really love it this way!

I’ve included both in the recipe, so you can use whichever you prefer and both will be delicious!

Variations and Substitutions:

  • Meatballs: you can swap the homemade meatballs for store bought meatballs in a pinch, though nothing compares to homemade! If you are making homemade meatballs just for these Swedish meatballs, feel free to add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a more authentic flavor!
  • Beef broth: I always choose low sodium stock and broth and add my own seasoning. If you have regular beef broth with salt added, you will want to leave the salt out and add to taste at the end.
  • Cream: I make my sauce with heavy cream, but you can use either cream or sour cream (and I’ve included both in the recipe), without changing anything else in the recipe and both will work just as well!
  • Seasonings: since I use my classic homemade meatball recipe for these Swedish meatballs, I add a bit of nutmeg to my sauce to get that classic flavor coming through. You can adjust the seasonings to taste as you like!
Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (4)
Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (5)
Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (6)
Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (7)

Can I make these Swedish Meatballs in the crockpot?

If you’re looking to make these meatballs in the slow cooker, check out my Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs recipe and post for more information.

Can I make these meatballs in the Instant Pot?

If you want to make Swedish meatballs in the Instant Pot, check out my Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs and Noodles for more information.

Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (8)

What should I serve with Swedish Meatballs?

We love these Swedish Meatballs served over plain cooked egg noodles or these Crockpot Mashed Potatoes — but these Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes would be an indulgent addition to your meal!

This Instant Pot Brown Rice also rounds out the meal nicely!

Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (9)

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Swedish Meatballs

written by Ashley Fehr

5 from 24 votes

This Swedish Meatballs recipe is made with juicy homemade meatballs, simmered in a rich and creamy beef gravy — perfect for serving or noodles or mashed potatoes!

Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (11)

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Review

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Cuisine American, Swedish

Course Main Course

Servings 4 servings

Calories 456cal

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 slice soft bread
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Swedish Meatball Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups low sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or sour cream)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ tablespoons corn starch
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg

US CustomaryMetric

Instructions

Meatballs

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with tin foil — optional but helps with clean up! (OPTIONAL: instead of baking, you can also simmer right in the sauce for 8 minutes per side. I bake a big batch at once, which is why I bake them).

  • Tear bread into small pieces and place in a food processor. Process until the bread is in fine crumbs and combine with water. Stir and let sit for a few minutes.

  • In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, nutmeg and soaked bread until just combined — don't overmix!

  • Shape into 1.5-2″ balls (I get about 20 this way, but you can get up to 30 if you shape them into 1″ balls) and place 1″ apart on the baking sheet.

  • Bake for 10-15 minutes (longer for 2″ rounds, shorter for 1″ rounds), until a meat thermometer reads at least 160 degrees F in the largest meatballs (a meat thermometer is your best chance at having perfectly cooked meatballs!)

  • Remove from the oven.

Swedish Meatball Sauce

  • In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together broth, cream, Worcestershire sauce, corn starch, garlic, parsley, salt, thyme, pepper and nutmeg.

  • Pour into a large skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let simmer until slightly thickened, stirring often, about 5 minutes.

  • Add the meatballs, stir and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until heated through (or 8 minutes per side if you are adding them raw).

  • Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes and refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 456cal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 777mg | Potassium: 580mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 497IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 3mg

Keywords meatballs, swedish meatballs

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Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (12)

Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

Read More

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Marlene Stjernfeldt says

    Sound good but it’s not even close to real swedish meatballs. Not the ones we do here in Sweden anyways. Nor the sause but it still sounds tasty.

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Marlene! It’s very tasty! Definitely not claiming it to be the real version. Each country has their own ingredients, products and ways of making recipes, so this is just my spin in on.

      Reply

  2. Tara Alden says

    Absolutely loved this recipe! I didn’t listen and used beef bouillon cubes and was way too salty so did tone down with milk and sour cream. Will definitely make again with low sodium beef broth! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  3. Megan says

    Usually with recipes I find on Pinterest I have to make a few times and figure out what to change. This recipe however was amazing first time! The only thing I’d change is doubling the sauce we were fighting over who got the last of it! So delicious thank you!

    Reply

    • The Recipe Rebel says

      Hi Megan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this review!

      Reply

  4. Jane King says

    Love this recipe!
    Can I make them ahead amid freeze them. Cooked or uncooked?

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      Absolutely! You can freeze them either way (you can even freeze with the sauce!). I like to freeze them cooked so I can pull them out for quick meals

      Reply

  5. Selena says

    I added a tablespoon of white wine and sautéed mushrooms. Delish!

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      Great idea!

      Reply

  6. Nicole says

    So I notice cheese in the picture for the meatballs do you just not put it in if you are just making them for Swedish meatballs?

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      Yes, I just omit the cheese for Swedish meatballs, though you could add some in if you want!

      Reply

  7. Brooke Mead says

    Instead of the bread can you use bread crumbs store bought? Do you still need to soak them? And how much breadcrumbs?

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      You can use dried bread crumbs but you will need more liquid because they are not as moist

      Reply

  8. Claudia Lamascolo says

    I have never had anything like this, heard of them but never wanted to try them until I saw this mouth watering photo On my list to make

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      I hope you enjoy them!

      Reply

  9. Elizabeth says

    Delicious, the family loved them! I’ll have to try them in the Crock-Pot next.

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      Thanks Elizabeth!

      Reply

  10. Jacqueline Meldrum says

    I usually have meatballs American style in a marinara sauce but now you’ve made me crave them this way with gravy

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      You’ll have to try them!

      Reply

  11. Anjali says

    Thanks for these helpful tips to make the perfect meatballs!! These turned out to be moist and satisfying and everyone loved them!

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      I’m so glad to hear that!

      Reply

  12. Dannii says

    This is always a must when we go to Ikea. I really should make it myself more.

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      We love homemade way better!

      Reply

  13. Melissa Berman says

    If I wanted to substitute almond flour for the processed bread in the meatball recipe, how much would I need? Let me know. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Ashley Fehr says

      Hi Melissa! I’ve never tried anything like that so I can’t say how it would go

      Reply

Leave A Reply

Swedish Meatballs recipe [step by step VIDEO] - The Recipe Rebel (2024)

FAQs

What is the sauce for Swedish meatballs made from? ›

The sauce for Swedish Meatballs is a creamy gravy that is made with butter, beef broth/stock, thickened with flour and made creamy with cream. But the most important flavour for the a really good creamy gravy is the pan drippings after searing the meatballs.

Why are my Swedish meatballs falling apart? ›

ANSWER: Usually when meatballs fall apart, it's the binder that is the problem. Most meatball recipes call for using bread crumbs and eggs. But too much bread crumbs make them too loose, and not enough bread crumbs won't help them hold together either.

Why is my Swedish meatball sauce not thickening? ›

How to Thicken Swedish Meatball Sauce. The all-purpose flour in this recipe should do the trick to thicken your Swedish meatball sauce to the right consistency. But if it doesn't, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch to 2 tablespoons of water) to thicken it up.

Why are my homemade meatballs tough? ›

When meatballs are tough, it's often because they've been overworked. Start by thoroughly mixing all of the ingredients except for the ground meat. Once you add the meat, you want to work it only just enough so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Why do Swedish meatballs taste so good? ›

They're made with all-natural ingredients

The Ikea website lists the ingredients of their meatballs (which Ikea calls ALLEMANSRÄTTEN), and the rundown is surprisingly simple: Meat (a combination of pork and beef, for texture, flavor, and juiciness), onion, breadcrumbs, egg, water, salt, and pepper.

What's the difference between Swedish and Norwegian meatballs? ›

Norwegian meatballs are served in a brown gravy, while Swedish meatballs are made with a cream sauce.

What not to do when making meatballs? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
  1. Not seasoning the meat.
  2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
  3. Over-mixing the meat.
  4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
  5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
May 1, 2019

What happens if you put too much breadcrumbs in meatballs? ›

It can also make the finished mixture loose, and it'll fall apart when cooking.

Should you cook meatballs before putting in sauce? ›

You can brown the uncooked meatballs in a sauté pan before adding them to the sauce. You can brown them in the oven. Or you can skip browning altogether and put the raw meatballs straight into the sauce to cook.

What is a good side dish to serve with Swedish meatballs? ›

17 - Side dish suggestions for what to serve with Swedish meatballs
  • Asparagus Orzo. ...
  • Stuffed Garlic Bread. ...
  • Loaded Baked Potatoes. ...
  • Celeriac Puree (Mashed Celery Root) Side Dish Recipe. ...
  • Cabbage Steaks. ...
  • Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. ...
  • Fried Potatoes And Onions. ...
  • Lingonberry Jam Recipe {without Pectin} | Masala Herb.
Apr 25, 2024

Why do you put cornstarch in meatballs? ›

Cornstarch is used as a low-fat alternative to tapioca starch in meatball dough, resulting in a healthier version of the snack. The addition of corn silk, a byproduct of sweet corn production, to meatballs increases their crude fiber and ash contents, as well as their redness, yellowness, juiciness, and shrinkage.

Do meatballs get more tender the longer they cook in sauce? ›

The longer the simmer, the more tender and succulent the meatballs become. 3. Concentration of Flavors: Simmering at a low temperature for an extended period also encourages the sauce to reduce and thicken.

What is the secret of a tender meatball? ›

They are super flavorful but what makes them so so tender and moist is this: Plain Greek Yogurt. The lactic acid from the yogurt tenderizes the meat while adding subtle flavor. The addition of egg and parmesan cheese help keep the meat together so that you get delicious weeknight meatballs in minutes.

Is it better to use milk or water in meatballs? ›

Milk: We will mix a bit of milk with the breadcrumbs to form a panade, which will help to keep our meatballs nice and moist. Ground beef and pork: I like to use a 50/50 mix of the two to make meatballs, but you can also make all-beef or all-pork meatballs if you prefer.

How do I make my meatballs firmer? ›

To make your meatballs softer, add a little liquid such as milk or applesauce or tomato sauce. To make your meatballs firmer, add more breadcrumbs. Run another taste test after each adjustment. Once the meatballs are how you want them, you're ready to start shaping.

What is Ikea meatball sauce made of? ›

Iconic Swedish cream sauce: Melt 40g of butter in a pan. Whisk in 40g of plain flour and stir for 2 mins. Add 300ml of bouillon (or consommé) and continue to stir. Add 150ml double cream, 2 tsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp of (Dijon) mustard.

Is meatball sauce the same as Bolognese sauce? ›

Meatballs are not a sauce, they are balls of meat. A sauce has to be runny, or at least flowing. Done correctly, a bolognese sauce isn't particularly meaty. The meat is meant to be finely ground and incorporated into a standard spaghetti sauce, and the meat so fine it should stick onto the pasta in little specks.

Do Swedish meatballs contain sour cream? ›

It's All About the Sauce

Flavored with nutmeg and cardamom, these little beef-and-pork meatballs are best served with a Swedish meatball sauce—a rich roux-based and beef stock gravy, spiked with sour cream and a little lingonberry jelly.

What makes Swedish meatballs different from other meatballs? ›

Swedish meatballs are slightly smaller than traditional meatballs — think the size of a golf ball — so that they can be easily picked up by a toothpick and popped into your mouth. As for the sauce, Swedish meatballs are cooked in a rich, creamy gravy that is most often created from bone broth and cream.

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