Best 8 Classic Swedish Meatballs Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Sweden with our classic Swedish meatballs recipe, a cherished dish that embodies the essence of Swedish cuisine. These tender and flavorful meatballs, lovingly crafted with a blend of ground beef and pork, are simmered in a rich and savory gravy, capturing the true spirit of Swedish meatballs. Accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and a side of tangy lingonberry jam, this delightful dish promises a taste of Swedish tradition and comfort.

In addition to the classic recipe, we offer a delightful array of variations to suit diverse tastes and preferences. Discover the lighter and healthier Turkey Swedish Meatballs, a leaner alternative that doesn't compromise on taste. For those seeking a vegetarian option, our Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs made with a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts provide a satisfying and protein-packed alternative. And for a unique twist, try our Asian Swedish Meatballs, where the traditional flavors of Sweden meet the aromatic spices of Asia.

Each variation offers a distinct culinary experience, ensuring that there's a perfect Swedish meatball recipe for every palate. Dive into the delectable world of Swedish meatballs and savor the authentic taste of Sweden with your loved ones.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

CLASSIC SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Classic Swedish Meatballs image

I'm a "Svenska flicka" (Swedish girl) from northwest Iowa, where many Swedes settled at the turn of the century. This recipe was given to me by a Swedish friend. It's obviously a 20th century version of a 19th century favorite, since back then they didn't have bouillon cubes or evaporated milk! I think you'll agree that these modern-day "Kottbullar" are very tasty. -Emily Gould, Hawarden, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 35m

Yield 3-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1-2/3 cups evaporated milk, divided
2/3 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon allspice
Dash pepper
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
2 teaspoons butter
2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup cold water
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Canned lingonberries, optional

Steps:

  • Combine 2/3 cup evaporated milk with the next 5 ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly. Refrigerate until chilled., With wet hands, shape meat mixture into 1-in. balls. In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches. Dissolve bouillon in boiling water. Pour over meatballs; bring to a boil. Cover; simmer 15 minutes. , Meanwhile, stir together cold water and flour. Remove meatballs from skillet; skim fat, reserving juices. Add flour mixture and remaining evaporated milk to pan juices; cook, uncovered, over low heat, stirring until sauce thickens. , Return meatballs to skillet. Stir in lemon juice. If desired, top with lingonberries.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 36 calories, Fat 2g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 10mg cholesterol, Sodium 87mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.

SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Swedish Meatballs image

The trick to Alton Brown's moist Swedish Meatballs recipe, from Good Eats on Food Network, is white bread soaked in milk.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     appetizer

Time 55m

Yield approximately 30 meatballs, 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 slices fresh white bread
1/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons clarified butter, divided
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
A pinch plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 pound ground chuck
3/4 pound ground pork
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups beef broth
1/4 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
  • Tear the bread into pieces and place in a small mixing bowl along with the milk. Set aside.
  • In a 12-inch straight sided saute pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and sweat until the onions are soft. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread and milk mixture, ground chuck, pork, egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and onions. Beat on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Using a scale, weigh meatballs into 1-ounce portions and place on a sheet pan. Using your hands, shape the meatballs into rounds.
  • Heat the remaining butter in the saute pan over medium-low heat, or in an electric skillet set to 250 degrees F. Add the meatballs and saute until golden brown on all sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs to an ovenproof dish using a slotted spoon and place in the warmed oven.
  • Once all of the meatballs are cooked, decrease the heat to low and add the flour to the pan or skillet. Whisk until lightly browned, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add the beef stock and whisk until sauce begins to thicken. Add the cream and continue to cook until the gravy reaches the desired consistency. Remove the meatballs from the oven, cover with the gravy and serve.

SWEDISH MEATBALLS (SVENSKA KOTTBULLAR)



Swedish Meatballs (Svenska Kottbullar) image

Our family's traditional Christmas recipe, frequently doubled and kept warm in a crock pot. Worth the effort, and the meatballs are even better the next day! Reserve brown gravy and add sour cream to it the day you serve the leftovers.

Provided by Nom Nom Nom

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Scandinavian

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 slices day-old white bread, crumbled
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon butter
1 small onion, minced
⅔ pound ground beef
⅓ pound finely ground pork
1 egg
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or as needed
2 cups beef broth, or as needed
½ (8 ounce) container sour cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place the bread crumbs into a small bowl, and mix in the cream. Allow to stand until crumbs absorb the cream, about 10 minutes. While the bread is soaking, melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, and cook and stir the onion until it turns light brown, about 10 minutes. Place onion into a mixing bowl; mix with the ground beef, ground pork, egg, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Lightly mix in the bread crumbs and cream.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pinch off about 1 1/2 tablespoon of the meat mixture per meatball, and form into balls. Place the meatballs into the skillet, and cook just until the outsides are brown, about 5 minutes, turning the meatballs often. Insides of the meatballs will still be pink. Place browned meatballs into a baking dish, pour in chicken broth, and cover with foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the meatballs are tender, about 40 minutes. Remove meatballs to a serving dish.
  • To make brown gravy, pour pan drippings into a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the pan drippings until smooth, and gradually whisk in enough beef broth to total about 2 1/2 cups of liquid. Bring the gravy to a simmer, whisking constantly until thick, about 5 minutes. Just before serving, whisk in the sour cream. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve the gravy with the meatballs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.7 calories, Carbohydrate 11.9 g, Cholesterol 107.6 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 16.9 g, SaturatedFat 10.6 g, Sodium 794.2 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

THE AMAZING SWEDISH MEATBALL



The Amazing Swedish Meatball image

Yowza! These Swedish Meatballs are fabulous! Very easy to make with such simple ingredients, and they're just delicious. This recipe has been in my family for years - friends and family wait all year to eat them.

Provided by KANDIYOHIV

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Scandinavian

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound ground beef
½ pound ground pork
½ cup chopped onion
¾ cup bread crumbs
1 egg
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon pepper
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 cups boiling water
¾ cup sour cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, and milk. Season with parsley, Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Mix well with your hands. Shape into walnut-size balls, and place on baking dish.
  • Bake for 30 minutes in preheated oven. Turn frequently so they brown evenly on all sides.
  • To make the sauce: In a saucepan, combine oil, flour, paprika, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook over medium heat until sizzling. Stir in hot water and sour cream until smooth and heated through.
  • When meatballs have cooked 30 minutes, pour sauce over the top, and return to the oven for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 559.6 calories, Carbohydrate 18.6 g, Cholesterol 134.1 mg, Fat 42.7 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 24.6 g, SaturatedFat 16.1 g, Sodium 2174.7 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

CLASSIC SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Classic Swedish meatballs image

Now you can recreate the meatballs you've enjoyed on furniture shopping trips at home...

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 8

400g lean pork mince
1 egg, beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
85g fresh white breadcrumbs
1 tbsp finely chopped dill, plus extra to serve
1tbsp each olive oil and butter
2 tbsp plain flour
400ml hot beef stock (from a cube is fine)

Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix the mince with the egg, onion, breadcrumbs, dill and seasoning. Form into small meatballs about the size of walnuts - you should get about 20.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan and brown the meatballs. You may have to do this in 2 batches. Remove from pan, melt the butter, then sprinkle over the flour and stir well. Cook for 2 mins, then slowly whisk in the stock. Keep whisking until it is a thick gravy, then return the meatballs to the pan and heat through. Sprinkle with dill and serve with cranberry jelly, greens and mash.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 301 calories, Fat 13 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 22 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 2 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 26 grams protein, Sodium 1.73 milligram of sodium

SWEDISH CARDAMOM MEATBALLS



Swedish Cardamom Meatballs image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 1h40m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 cup milk
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
3 eggs
Salt
Pepper
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
1 cup yellow onion, chopped, plus 6 cups yellow onions, sliced
1 cup salted butter, divided
1/2 cup sugar
Salt and pepper
3 cups beef broth
2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons gravy maker seasoning
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cloves
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water

Steps:

  • In large mixing bowl, soak bread crumbs in milk for 5 minutes. Add meat, eggs, salt, pepper, cardamom and chopped onions. Mix well and roll into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Saute meatballs in 1/4 cup butter approximately 20 minutes. In a separate skillet, saute sliced onions with 1/4 cup butter, sugar, and pepper until caramelized, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove mixture from both pans and place on separate plates. Deglaze both saute pans with the remaining 1/2 cup butter and beef broth, scraping up the browned bits. Cook over high heat for 1 minute. Place the contents of both saute pans into one large pot and add cream, onions, gravy maker seasoning and spices and bring to a simmer. Make a slurry with cornstarch and water. Whisk the slurry into the mixture to thicken. Add meatballs and simmer approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

QUICK AND EASY SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Quick and Easy Swedish Meatballs image

Rich and creamy, this classic meatball sauce is a must in your recipe box. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 package (22 ounces) frozen fully cooked Angus beef meatballs
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

  • Prepare meatballs according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, 1-2 minutes. Stir in cream and dill; simmer for 1 minute. Stir in meatballs; heat through. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 115 calories, Fat 10g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 253mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.

MOM'S SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Mom's Swedish Meatballs image

Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone's mouth starts watering. -Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 pounds ground beef
GRAVY:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2-3/4 cups 2% milk
2 cans (10-1/2 ounces each) condensed beef consomme, undiluted
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
NOODLES:
1 package (16 ounces) egg noodles
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. meatballs (about 36). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown meatballs in batches. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain, reserving drippings in pan., For gravy, stir flour into drippings; cook over medium-high heat until light brown (do not burn). Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in the consomme, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Reduce heat to medium-low; return meatballs to pan. Cook, uncovered, 15-20 minutes longer or until meatballs are cooked through, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; toss with butter. Serve with meatball mixture; sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 837 calories, Fat 33g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 256mg cholesterol, Sodium 1744mg sodium, Carbohydrate 82g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 50g protein.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ground beef and pork. The better the meat, the better the meatballs will be.
  • Grate the onion finely. This will help to distribute the flavor evenly throughout the meatballs.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Panko crumbs are lighter and crispier, and they will help to keep the meatballs from becoming too dense.
  • Use a combination of milk and cream. This will help to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing will make the meatballs tough.
  • Brown the meatballs in a pan before baking them. This will help to develop their flavor and prevent them from falling apart.
  • Bake the meatballs in a sauce made with beef broth, sour cream, and lingonberry jam. This classic Swedish sauce is the perfect complement to the meatballs.
  • Serve the meatballs with boiled potatoes, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.

Conclusion:

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a winter meal. They are easy to make and can be served with a variety of sides. So next time you are looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give Swedish meatballs a try!

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