Best 6 Scandinavian Meatballs Recipes

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Tantalize your taste buds with the delectable flavors of Scandinavian meatballs, a culinary gem originating from the Nordic region. These meatballs, also known as Swedish meatballs, embody the essence of comfort food, with their tender texture, savory meatiness, and a rich, creamy sauce that envelops them in an irresistible embrace. Traditionally served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers, this dish promises a delightful symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more. This comprehensive article presents a collection of meticulously curated recipes, each offering a unique take on this classic dish, ensuring that there's a recipe to suit every palate and preference. From the traditional Swedish meatballs to variations featuring lamb, turkey, and vegetarian options, these recipes provide a culinary journey through the diverse culinary landscapes of Scandinavia.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SWEDISH MEATBALLS (HOMEMADE IKEA MEATBALLS)



Swedish Meatballs (homemade Ikea Meatballs) image

Recipe video above. Juicy meatballs smothered in a beautiful creamy gravy, with a hint of spicing that Swedish Meatballs are known for. Made extra soft and extra tasty by soaking fresh bread in grated onion - tried and tested technique used in my most of my meatball recipes, highly approved by readers! (See Italian Meatball reviews as an example)

Provided by Nagi | RecipeTin Eats

Categories     Mains

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 slices white sandwich bread (, crusts removed, chopped into small cubes (Note 1))
1 onion (, small (brown, white or yellow))
300g / 10 oz ground beef (mince)
300g / 10 oz ground pork (mince) (, or sub with more beef (Note 2))
1 egg
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (, preferably freshly grated)
1/4 tsp All Spice powder ((Note 3))
1/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp salt
1 tbsp oil
40g / 3 tbsp butter (, unsalted)
3 tbsp flour
2 cups beef broth/stock ((salt reduced), or sub with chicken)
1/2 cup heavy / thickened cream ((Note 4))

Steps:

  • Grate onion using a standard box grater (see video).
  • Scrape onion and juices into bowl. Add bread and mix well - onion juice should make bread soggy (if not, add a tiny splash of milk). Set aside to soak for 1 minute.
  • Add remaining Meatball ingredients EXCEPT oil. Mix well.
  • Using a tablespoon measure and measure out a heaped tablespoon (or use ice cream scooper which is what I do), dollop on work surface. Repeat with remaining mixture: 25 - 30 meatballs. Then roll into shape.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 289 g, Calories 475 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 35 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, Cholesterol 163 mg, Sodium 727 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 2 g

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.

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 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

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.

SCANDINAVIAN MEATBALLS



Scandinavian Meatballs image

These meatballs are a classic on smorgasbord table throughout Scandinavia. Assemble the dish ahead, then just bake before serving. From a December 1988 issue of Bon Appetit. The meatballs were part of a "Scandinavian Christmas Buffet for 20".

Provided by Leslie in Texas

Categories     Meat

Time 1h30m

Yield 20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
3/4 cup milk
1 onion, finely chopped
2 eggs, beaten to blend
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground veal
1/2 lb ground lean pork
1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
butter (if necessary)
1 large onion, sliced
2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups canned beef consomme
1 cup whipping cream
fresh ground pepper

Steps:

  • For Meatballs;.
  • Soak breadcrumbs in milk in medium bowl for 10 minutes.
  • Mix in onion, eggs and seasonings.
  • Add meats and beat with an electric mixer or wooden spoon until light and fluffy.
  • Handling gently,form mixture into 2-inch-diameter meatballs; smooth balls between moistened palms.
  • Place in baking pan;refrigerate until firm.
  • Melt butter in large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add meatballs in batches (do not crowd) and cook until browned on all sides, shaking pan occasionally, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain on paper towels; reserve drippings in skillet.
  • Layer meatballs in deep 4-quart oven-proof casserole or baking dish.
  • For Gravy:.
  • Measure pan drippings and return 3 tablespoons to skillet, adding some butter if necessary.
  • Add onion and cook over medium-low heat until tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Add flour and stir 2 minutes.
  • Gradually mix in consomme and cream.
  • Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally;season with pepper.
  • Strain over meatballs.
  • (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Bring to room temperature before continuing.).
  • Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
  • Bake casserole until meatballs are heated through, about 45 minutes; serve hot.

Tips:

  • Use a combination of ground beef and pork: This will give the meatballs a richer flavor and texture.
  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which will help keep the meatballs moist.
  • Season the meatballs well: Use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to flavor the meatballs.
  • Brown the meatballs in a skillet before simmering them in the sauce: This will help to develop their flavor and give them a nice crust.
  • Use a good quality beef broth: The beef broth is the base of the sauce, so make sure to use a good quality one.
  • Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes: This will help to tenderize the meatballs and allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice: These are all classic side dishes that go well with Swedish meatballs.

Conclusion:

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With a little planning, they can be made ahead of time and reheated when you're ready to serve them. So next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, give Swedish meatballs a try. You won't be disappointed!

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