Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce: A Comforting Classic

Swedish Meatballs are rich, tender, and packed with warm, spiced flavors, smothered in a silky, creamy sauce that makes them absolutely irresistible. Whether served over buttery mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, this dish is comfort food at its finest.

This homemade version rivals IKEA’s famous Swedish meatballs, but with even better flavor and texture. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

Swedish meatballs with creamy sauce is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any meal. The tender, juicy meatballs are smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with a blend of cream, broth, and seasonings, creating a savory, satisfying dish. Whether served with potatoes, noodles, or rice, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite. It’s a great option for family dinners, holiday meals, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious Swedish meatballs with creamy sauce that will quickly become a go-to meal.

1. Why You’ll Love These Swedish Meatballs

✔ Juicy, flavorful meatballs – Made with a mix of beef and pork for extra tenderness.
✔ Silky, creamy sauce – Rich, buttery, and spiced with just the right amount of warmth.
✔ Authentic Swedish flavors – Hints of nutmeg and allspice give them a signature taste.
✔ Versatile serving options – Pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a side of lingonberry jam.
✔ Make-ahead friendly – Great for meal prep or freezing.

If you love rich, creamy, and comforting meals, these homemade Swedish Meatballs will be a new family favorite!

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• ½ lb ground pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon butter (for frying)

For the Creamy Swedish Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or sour cream for tanginess)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lingonberry jam (for authentic Swedish flavor)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large bowl, mix together the beef, pork, breadcrumbs, grated onion, garlic, egg, milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg.
2. Gently combine with your hands or a spoon—don’t overmix, or the meatballs will be dense.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Meatballs

1. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about the size of a golf ball).
2. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear the meatballs in batches, cooking for 3–4 minutes per side until browned.
4. Remove meatballs from the pan and set aside (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour, whisking for 1 minute to make a roux.
3. Slowly pour in the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Simmer the Meatballs

1. Return the browned meatballs to the sauce.
2. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.
2. Add a spoonful of lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish touch!

4. Tips for the Best Swedish Meatballs

✔ Use a mix of beef and pork – Pork adds juiciness and flavor.
✔ Grate the onion instead of chopping – It blends into the meat better.
✔ Don’t overmix the meat – Light mixing keeps them tender.
✔ Sear first, then simmer – Browning locks in flavor while simmering makes them tender.
✔ For a thicker sauce – Simmer longer or add an extra ½ tablespoon of flour.

5. Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Try these tasty variations:

• Lighter Version – Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork.
• Gluten-Free – Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour and flour for cornstarch.
• Extra Creamy – Add ¼ cup sour cream to the sauce for a richer flavor.
• Spicy Kick – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

6. What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs

These meatballs are delicious on their own but taste even better with the right side dish!

Best Side Dishes:

✔ Creamy mashed potatoes (classic pairing!)
✔ Buttered egg noodles
✔ Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
✔ Roasted vegetables
✔ Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

Authentic Swedish Touch:

✔ Lingonberry jam – Adds a sweet contrast to the savory meatballs.
✔ Pickled cucumbers – A traditional Scandinavian side.

Wine Pairing:

🍷 Pinot Noir or Malbec – Complements the rich sauce.
🍷 Chardonnay or Riesling – A great white wine option.

7. Storing and Reheating

Refrigerating:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

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FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can form the meatballs a day ahead and store them in the fridge before cooking.

2. Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, then add to the sauce.

3. Can I make this dish without heavy cream?

Yes! Substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or sour cream for a lighter version.

4. What’s the difference between Swedish meatballs and Italian meatballs?

Swedish meatballs are spiced with nutmeg and allspice, while Italian meatballs use garlic, oregano, and Parmesan.

5. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Add an extra ½ tablespoon flour or let it simmer longer.

6. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.

7. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meatballs first, then cook on LOW for 4–6 hours with the sauce.

8. Can I use pre-made frozen meatballs?

Yes! Just simmer them in the sauce for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

9. Can I use turkey instead of beef and pork?

Yes! Just be sure to add extra fat or breadcrumbs to keep them juicy.

10. What’s the best way to get evenly sized meatballs?

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion them evenly.