Swedish Meatballs Creamy Gravy Classic

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy is the ultimate comfort meal I reach for when I want a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Juicy meatballs cooked in a silky, flavorful sauce are a timeless favorite at our table and make weeknight dinners something to look forward to.

The first time I made these, my whole house filled with the aroma of warm spices and rich gravy. Now this is our go to recipe when we want something everyone will cheer for at dinnertime.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: for hearty texture and strong savory base choose fresh beef with bright red color and little excess liquid
• Ground pork: adds juiciness and a gentle sweetness look for pork with even marbling
• Breadcrumbs: help bind everything and keep meatballs tender use fresh or plain for best results
• Grated Parmesan cheese: for a touch of nutty richness always grate fresh for maximum flavor
• Chopped fresh parsley: brings freshness and color choose vibrant green sprigs with crisp leaves
• Finely chopped onion: creates aromatic depth use a sweet or yellow onion for balanced flavor
• Garlic powder: easy punch of flavor without peeling and chopping
• Salt: ties all the flavors together use kosher or fine sea salt
• Black pepper: brings a mild heat grind fresh if possible
• Ground nutmeg: adds that signature Swedish warmth just a small sprinkle transforms the dish
• Large egg: gives structure to the meatballs make sure it is at room temperature
• Olive oil: for browning meatballs evenly use extra virgin for extra flavor
• Butter: for that creamy gravy foundation make sure it is real butter for best taste
• All-purpose flour: thickens the sauce and gives it body sift to avoid lumps
• Beef broth: rich background flavor pick a low sodium broth for better control
• Heavy cream: delivers creaminess and mellow flavor use heavy cream for that classic feel
• Soy sauce: adds color and umami depth choose traditional or low sodium for flexibility
• Salt and pepper: to season the gravy and finish the sauce to your taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

In a large bowl gently combine the ground beef ground pork breadcrumbs grated Parmesan parsley onion garlic powder salt black pepper ground nutmeg and large egg Use your hands to blend until just mixed do not overwork to keep the meatballs tender

Shape the Meatballs:

Take a scoop of the mixture and roll it into balls about one inch in diameter Place them on a plate or tray spacing apart so they do not stick

Brown the Meatballs:

In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat Once hot add the meatballs in a single layer Cook in batches if needed Brown on all sides by turning gently with tongs for even color This should take about eight to ten minutes When browned and cooked through remove meatballs to a plate

Make the Gravy Base:

Using the same skillet melt the butter over medium heat Stir in the flour with a whisk and cook for one to two minutes until the mixture turns light golden Watch closely so it does not burn

Create the Gravy:

Gradually pour in beef broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps Continue to stir as it thickens about two to three minutes Add heavy cream and soy sauce mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and silky Taste and season the gravy with salt and pepper

Combine Meatballs and Gravy:

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet Nestle them into the gravy making sure they are well coated Reduce the heat and let them simmer for five to ten minutes so the flavors marry and everything becomes piping hot

Serve:

Spoon the meatballs and creamy gravy over freshly cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes Serve immediately while hot and garnish with extra parsley if you like

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One of my favorite ways to enjoy this is with extra fresh parsley on top for its pop of green I still remember serving these at a birthday and everyone asked for seconds just to soak up more of that creamy sauce

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth Swedish meatballs also freeze beautifully Just cool completely freeze in a single layer then pack into freezer containers for up to two months When you want to serve thaw overnight and warm low and slow

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative To make this dish dairy free use a plant based cream and skip the Parmesan You can also use gluten free breadcrumbs and flour to adjust for allergies or dietary needs

Serving Suggestions

Pile the meatballs over buttery mashed potatoes or hot egg noodles For a traditional Swedish touch add a spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side Steamed green beans or roasted carrots round out this meal nicely

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Cultural Context

Swedish meatballs are a classic Scandinavian dish known as köttbullar with a tradition of being served with creamy sauce and lingonberries They became especially famous when served at gatherings and holidays in Sweden and eventually spread around the world partly thanks to Swedish immigrant communities and popular furniture store cafes

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes Swedish meatballs unique?

Swedish meatballs are traditionally seasoned with spices like nutmeg and mixed with a combination of beef and pork, then served in a creamy gravy.

→ Can I substitute the meats?

Yes, ground turkey can replace beef and pork for a lighter option. Adjust seasonings to taste for your preferred flavor.

→ What are the best sides for Swedish meatballs?

They are commonly served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Lingonberry sauce is a popular Swedish accompaniment.

→ How do I keep meatballs tender?

Mix gently and use breadcrumbs and egg for moisture. Avoid overworking the mixture to ensure a soft texture.

→ Can the sauce be made ahead?

Yes, the creamy gravy can be prepared in advance and reheated gently. Add extra broth if needed to adjust consistency.

→ Are there other flavor variations?

Try adding a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to deepen the gravy flavor or use fresh herbs for a twist.