Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy are a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, spiced meatballs smothered in a creamy, savory gravy. Traditionally served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, these meatballs are a perfect meal for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly seasoned, juicy meatballs.
- A rich, creamy gravy with deep, savory flavors.
- Can be served with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Great for meal prep and reheating.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Milk
- Onion, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Allspice
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
- Butter or oil (for frying)
For the Rich Gravy:
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Beef broth
- Heavy cream
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
Directions
1. Make the Meatballs
- In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined, then shape into small meatballs.
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
2. Make the Gravy
- In the same pan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add beef broth, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream.
- Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
3. Simmer the Meatballs
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken Meatballs – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Dairy-Free – Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or dairy-free cream.
- Spicier Version – Add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
- Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs – Place a small cube of cheese inside each meatball.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze meatballs and gravy separately for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes.
What’s the best side dish for Swedish meatballs?
Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice are classic pairings.
How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?
Avoid overmixing and ensure you use enough binding ingredients like eggs and breadcrumbs.
Can I use pre-made frozen meatballs?
Yes, but homemade meatballs give the best flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, store the cooked meatballs and gravy separately, then reheat before serving.
What’s the secret to extra flavorful gravy?
Cooking the gravy in the same pan as the meatballs enhances the flavor.
Can I add mushrooms to the gravy?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms add depth and richness.
How do I thicken the gravy more?
Add a little more flour or cornstarch slurry if needed.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the gravy will be slightly less rich.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can be used for a similar depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy are a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender, spiced meatballs with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Whether served over mashed potatoes or noodles, this meal is a guaranteed favorite. Try this recipe today for a delicious homemade classic
Print
- Total Time: Main Course
- Yield: Stovetop
Description
These Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy are tender, flavorful, and coated in a creamy, savory sauce. A classic comfort dish!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
-
Make the Meatballs:
- Mix all meatball ingredients, shape into balls, and fry until browned.
-
Prepare the Gravy:
- Melt butter, add flour, and cook until golden. Slowly whisk in broth and cream until smooth.
-
Combine & Serve:
- Add meatballs to gravy, simmer for 10 minutes, and serve over mashed potatoes or noodles.
Notes
- Use a mix of beef and pork for juicier meatballs.
- For a thicker gravy, let simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 servings
- Category: Swedish
- Method: Meat-Based