Best 8 Swedish Meatballs With Secret Ingredient Recipes

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**Swedish Meatballs with a Secret Ingredient: A Taste of Sweden's Culinary Delights**

Swedish meatballs, a classic dish from the heart of Scandinavia, are a culinary symphony of flavors that have captivated taste buds worldwide. These tender and flavorful meatballs, bathed in a rich and creamy sauce, are a staple of Swedish cuisine, often served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and pickled cucumbers. Our curated collection of Swedish meatball recipes unveils the secret ingredient that elevates this dish to new heights. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative takes with a modern twist, our selection caters to every palate. Discover the art of crafting these delectable meatballs, explore variations using different meats, and delve into the secrets of creating the perfect sauce. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, our recipes will guide you in creating a dish that will transport you to the charming streets of Stockholm.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CRAVE-WORTHY SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Crave-Worthy Swedish Meatballs image

This Swedish meatballs recipe makes juicy and flavorful meatballs with a creamy, rich, and crave-worthy sauce. If you prefer, you can serve the meatballs without the gravy. We love serving these with mashed potatoes (or mashed cauliflower), buttered noodles, and roasted vegetables are excellent options. We also highly recommend a spoonful of lingonberry jam. For the gravy, we add a few unconventional ingredients. Soy sauce seasons, mustard adds a little zing, and lemon zest brightens up the flavors of the dish.

Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield Makes about 30 meatballs or 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 22

1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
8 ounces (225 grams) ground pork
2 ounces (55 grams) fresh bread, crusts removed (about two slices)
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter, plus more as needed
1/2 cup (70 grams) finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Pinch fresh ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard or a pinch of dry mustard powder
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
Butter, as needed
3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
3 cups (710 ml) beef broth or use chicken broth
1/4 cup (60 ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or a pinch of dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Handful fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, tear or chop the bread into small pieces then cover with the milk. Set aside.
  • Melt one tablespoon of butter in a wide skillet. Add the onions and cook until soft, but not brown; 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the black pepper, allspice, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, nutmeg, and the mustard. Cook, stirring everything around the pan for 30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl to cool, and then wipe the skillet mostly clean with a paper towel so that it is ready for cooking the meatballs.
  • Combine the beef, pork, bread and milk mixture, and the egg in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or large food processor). When the onions are warm, not hot, add them to the bowl as well.
  • Evenly sprinkle the salt over the top of the mixture then beat for about 30 seconds, scrape the sides of the bowl, then beat another 30 seconds to a minute until the mixture looks very well blended. (If you are using a food processor, you may need to stop the processor one more time to move the mixture around a bit.)
  • Form the mixture into meatballs; we like using a medium cookie scoop that holds about 1 1/2 tablespoons - you should get around 30 meatballs. Move onto cooking or cover and refrigerate up to a day or freeze them (see notes section for our tips).
  • Heat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. (It's likely you will cook the meatballs in batches. A warm oven helps to keep cooked meatballs hot while you finish cooking all of the meatballs.)
  • Melt half a tablespoon of butter in the pan used to cook the onions over medium-low heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning every few minutes, until brown on all sides and cooked through; 8 to 10 minutes. It's unlikely all of the meatballs will fit so you will need to do this in batches (or use two pans). Add more butter to the pan as needed.
  • Transfer cooked meatballs to the baking sheet and place into the warm oven.
  • After cooking the meatballs, make the gravy in the same pan. Depending on how much fat is left in the pan after cooking the meatballs, you may need to remove some or add a little bit of butter. You will need about three tablespoons of fat in the pan.
  • Decrease the heat to low then scatter the flour over the fat in the pan and whisk until medium blonde in color, about 2 minutes. While whisking, slowly add the broth. Continue to whisk until the gravy begins to thicken. Add the cream and continue to cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the meatballs, another minute or so.
  • Whisk in the soy sauce, mustard, and lemon zest. Taste then adjust with salt and pepper, as needed. Remove the meatballs from the oven and add to the gravy. Serve with parsley scattered on top.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 5 meatballs with gravy, Calories 351, Fat 20.8g, SaturatedFat 9.8g, Cholesterol 127.3mg, Sodium 500.9mg, Carbohydrate 12.3g, Fiber 0.7g, Sugar 1.6g, Protein 27.4g

AUTHENTIC SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Authentic Swedish Meatballs image

There are as many meatball recipes as there are meatball lovers. This authentic Swedish recipe results in delicious, juicy meatballs with a good and creamy taste. Serve with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and a cream sauce!

Provided by SwedishChef

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Scandinavian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ⅓ cups heavy cream
¾ cup rolled oats
8 teaspoons potato flour
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 pound 85% lean ground beef
2 teaspoons ground allspice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Mix cream, oats, potato flour, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow oats to absorb the liquid; paste should have the consistency of mashed potatoes.
  • Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion until softened but still pale, 3 to 4 minutes. Add onions to the oat paste and mix well. And ground beef and allspice; mix just until combined, 30 to 45 seconds.
  • Oil your hands and roll mixture into meatballs of desired size, ideally smaller than a golf ball. Place meatballs on a sheet pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are hot, about 10 minutes. Let cool briefly.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Cook and stir meatballs, about 10 at a time, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.4 g, Cholesterol 110.2 mg, Fat 36.6 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 11.7 g, SaturatedFat 17.7 g, Sodium 368.7 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

SWEDISH MEATBALLS WITH SECRET INGREDIENT



Swedish Meatballs With Secret Ingredient image

When I was growing up there was a chain of Swedish Smorgasbord restaurants in the area which I lived. It wasn't until about 10 years ago that I met the original owner of that chain at a private party in the last remaining restaurant in the chain. He cooked the foods for this party himself with his son who at that time was the manager of that one remaining establishment. One of the dishes that he served, personally to the 20+ persons invited, was his Swedish Meatballs. They were the absolute best tasting meatballs I ever ate. I took him aside and asked him quietly..."is the wonderful taste in these meatballs the fennel seeds in the sauce?" He smiled and whispered back..."yes that is my secret for making the best Swedish meatballs". I came upon a recipe for Swedish Meatballs at Group Recipes.com that sounded so similar to that recipe so I wanted to post this version for the ZWT #6 2010 Scandinavian Region.

Provided by CarrolJ

Categories     < 4 Hours

Time 1h30m

Yield 30-40 small meatballs, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 lb ground pork
1 lb lean ground beef
1 onion (well minced)
3 eggs
1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
gravy
2 cups beef stock
1 teaspoon fennel seed
salt & pepper
1 tablespoon Kitchen Bouquet (optional for color)
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Put eggs, spices and minced onion in a bowl, mix it all together.
  • Add meat, mix well so everything is nicely blended.
  • Shape small meatballs and brown them on all sides.
  • Cook over medium heat until liquids run clear of blood.
  • Add the beef stock, kitchen bouquet, salt and pepper, and fennel seeds and simmer on low heat about 20 minutes.
  • In a small bowl mix the 1/4 cup of water and the flour well for a thickner.
  • Add the thickner to the meat stirring constantly.
  • Cook until the the sauce thickens.
  • Add the cream and just heat until the cream is blended well and hot.
  • Be careful not to let it boil or it will curdle the cream.

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

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.

SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Swedish Meatballs image

Provided by Jenny Rosenstrach

Categories     Pork     Kid-Friendly     Father's Day     Dinner     Lunch     Ground Beef     Potluck     Bon Appétit     Sugar Conscious     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Small Plates

Yield Makes 6-8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
2 1/3 cups low-salt beef stock, divided
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
1 cup minced onion
2 thick slices bacon, minced
1 pound ground beef
3/4 pound ground pork
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sour cream, whisked

Steps:

  • Mix breadcrumbs and 1/3 cup stock in a small bowl. Set aside. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until browned, about 10 minutes. Transfer onion to a large bowl.
  • Wipe out pan and return to medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to bowl with onion. (Reserve bacon fat.) Add next 8 ingredients to bowl with onion mixture, mixing with your hands to blend. Fold in breadcrumb mixture. Using a 1 tablespoon measure, roll meat mixture into balls; transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter with reserved bacon fat in a large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Working in 3 batches and adding 1 tablespoon butter between batches, brown meatballs on all sides, about 6-8 minutes per batch. Transfer meatballs to a plate. Drain all but 2 tablespoons drippings from pot. Whisk in flour until smooth paste forms. Stir in 2 cups stock; bring to a simmer, whisking often. Return meatballs to pot. Cover; simmer until meatballs are cooked, 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat, whisk in sour cream, and stir to coat meatballs.

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

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.

Tips:

  • Use a combination of ground beef and pork for the meatballs. This will give them a more flavorful and juicy texture.
  • Add a secret ingredient to the meatballs, such as grated apple or bread crumbs. This will help to keep them moist and tender.
  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  • Brown the meatballs in a pan before adding them to the sauce. This will help to keep them from falling apart.
  • Use a flavorful sauce for the meatballs. A good sauce will help to bring out the flavors of the meat.
  • Serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Conclusion:

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make Swedish meatballs that are sure to impress your family and friends.

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