Oh, Swedish meatballs! Just saying the name brings back cozy memories of family dinners and warm kitchens. There’s something about those little bites of ground beef, perfectly seasoned and rolled into tender morsels, that makes my heart sing. And let’s not forget the creamy sauce—rich, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of sauce that hugs every meatball, creating a comforting dish that’s simply irresistible. The best part? You can whip these beauties up right in your own kitchen, no fancy skills required! Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, you’ll have a new go-to for any occasion.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
How to Prepare Swedish Meatballs (beef version)
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. I like to use my hands for this—it’s the best way to really incorporate all those flavors together. Just mix until everything’s evenly blended, but don’t overdo it! You want those meatballs tender, not tough.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Now, it’s time to roll those meatballs! I usually take about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between my palms to create small, bite-sized balls—around 1 inch in diameter works great. Keep them uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly. Lay them out on a plate or baking sheet while you prepare to cook. Trust me, this step is so satisfying!
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot (but not smoking!), gently add the meatballs, giving them some space. You don’t want overcrowding, or they won’t brown properly. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides. This step adds so much flavor, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the meatballs are beautifully browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In that same skillet, sprinkle in the flour and stir it around for about a minute—this helps to thicken your sauce. Then, slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly. Careful, it can splatter a bit! Next, add the heavy cream, and keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and starts to simmer. Oh, that creamy goodness is coming together!
Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Sauce
Now, return those glorious meatballs to the skillet. Make sure they’re all nestled in that luscious sauce, and let them cook together for about 10 minutes on low heat. This is where the magic happens! The meatballs soak up all that creamy flavor, and by the time you’re done, you’ll have a dish that’s not just delicious but also comforting and oh-so-satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
- Rich, creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with the tender meatballs.
- Comfort food at its finest; it warms the soul and makes you feel right at home.
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Versatile dish that’s great on its own or served with mashed potatoes or noodles.
- Perfect for serving to guests or enjoying a cozy meal with family.
- Freezes well, so you can enjoy leftovers later without losing that delicious flavor!
Tips for Success
To take your Swedish meatballs to the next level, here are a few pro tips! First, use fresh breadcrumbs instead of the store-bought kind; they really add a fantastic texture and flavor. If you have time, let the meat mixture rest for about 30 minutes in the fridge before forming the meatballs—this helps them hold their shape better while cooking. When browning the meatballs, make sure your skillet isn’t overcrowded; cook them in batches if needed for that perfect golden crust. Lastly, don’t skip the simmering step in the sauce—it’s essential for melding all those delicious flavors together!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying Swedish meatballs, you’re probably wondering about the nutritional side. Here’s the estimated breakdown for one serving of these delicious beef meatballs:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. But hey, it’s all part of the deliciousness, right? Enjoy every bite without guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different meat?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional for Swedish meatballs, you can easily swap it out for turkey or pork if you prefer. Ground turkey gives a lighter flavor, but still holds its own in the creamy sauce. Pork can add some richness as well. Just remember, if you choose a leaner meat, like turkey, you might want to add a bit more seasoning or even a splash of oil to keep those meatballs moist. So feel free to get creative and make it your own!
What should I serve with Swedish meatballs?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Swedish meatballs shine alongside creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up that luscious sauce beautifully. You could also serve them with egg noodles or even a bed of rice if you’re feeling adventurous. Don’t forget about lingonberry sauce; it adds a delightful tartness that perfectly balances the richness of the dish. I also love a simple side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a pop of color and crunch. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a hit!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let your Swedish meatballs cool down, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef broth or cream to keep them moist, and stir occasionally until heated through. If you want to freeze leftovers, they can go in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Trust me, they’ll still taste amazing!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Swedish meatballs, the right sides can truly elevate your meal experience! I love to pair them with creamy mashed potatoes, as they soak up that luscious sauce perfectly—it’s comfort food at its finest! If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, try serving them over egg noodles or with a side of buttery rice; both options are fantastic for soaking up every drop of that delightful creamy sauce.
And let’s not forget the classic lingonberry sauce! The sweet-tart flavor is a game-changer, cutting through the richness of the meatballs and adding a lovely pop of color to your plate. Another great option is to serve them with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad; the crunch and freshness of veggies really balance out the meal. You could even whip up some steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for a nutritious touch. Trust me, whatever you choose, these Swedish meatballs will shine on your table!
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Swedish Meatballs: 5 Steps to Comforting Deliciousness
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Swedish meatballs made with ground beef in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Mix well and form into small meatballs.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add meatballs and brown on all sides.
- Remove meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly add beef broth, stirring constantly.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and cook for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh breadcrumbs for better texture.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Swedish Meatballs, beef meatballs, creamy meatballs