Seriously Savory Swedish Meatballs a Taste of Scandinavia at Home

Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe Better Than IKEA

By Marcus O’NeillSeptember 29, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved that cosy, comforting feeling in a bowl? This Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe delivers just that. Honestly, these Tender Meatballs are a game changer.

Brief Overview

Originating from Sweden, these little balls of joy are traditionally served with a creamy Gravy and lingonberry jam. This is an Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe that's totally doable, even on a busy weeknight.

It takes about an hour from start to finish and yields enough for 4 hungry folks, or 6 smaller portions.

Main Benefits

These Homemade Swedish Meatballs are packed with protein and flavour! They're perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with mates.

What makes this Swedish Meatball Recipe special? The creamy gravy . It ties everything together.

The Secret's in the Sauce

Ready to get started? I mean, who can resist Creamy Swedish Meatballs ? The first step is gathering all your ingredients.

Don't worry if you can't find lingonberry jam; cranberry sauce is a decent substitute.

My Mum's Touch

Growing up, my mum used to make these every Christmas. This recipe is inspired by hers, but with a few tweaks to make it even easier.

I remember one year, I accidentally added too much nutmeg. The flavour was...intense. So, trust me, stick to the measurements!

Achieving Authentic Swedish Meatballs

To get that Authentic Swedish Meatballs flavour, don't skimp on the allspice and nutmeg. They add a warmth that is so unique to this dish.

Also, using a mix of ground beef and pork is key for that perfect texture and taste.

Serving Suggestion: Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Jam

And last but not least, the lingonberry jam! Oh my gosh, it is a must! The sweet and tart pairing is a match made in heaven.

So give this Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Jam recipe a go. You won't be disappointed.

Alright, let's chat about what you'll need to nail this Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe . Don't worry, nothing too fancy! Think about it as equipping yourself for a delightful culinary adventure.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific!

Okay, so for killer Tender Meatballs , you're going to need:

1 lb (450g) ground beef. Aim for 20% fat. It keeps things juicy.
1/2 lb (225g) ground pork. This adds lovely flavour.
1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs. These are the secret to light Swedish Meatballs .
1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk. It helps bind the mixture.
1 large egg.
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion.
2 cloves garlic, minced.
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice. This is classic in Authentic Swedish Meatballs .
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
1 teaspoon salt.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil.

For the Gravy , which is honestly the best part:

2 tablespoons butter. Unsalted is best.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
2 cups (480ml) beef broth. Low sodium, please!
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream. Makes it super Creamy Swedish Meatballs .
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard. Gives it a kick.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Adds depth.
1 tablespoon lingonberry jam . Trust me, get this if you can. It's a game changer when eating Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Jam .

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Allspice and nutmeg are your heroes here. That little bit of Dijon in the Gravy ? Magic. If you can't find lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce is a decent stand-in.

It’s got that sweet tart thing going on.

Sometimes, I add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper to the Meatballs . Just a tiny pinch. Adds a bit of warmth! Feel free to play around.

Honestly, it's like being a food rockstar! This recipe is not set in stone so add your own twist to it to make it your own Swedish Meatball Recipe !

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!

You don't need a million gadgets for this Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe .

A large mixing bowl. Obvious, right?
A small bowl for soaking the breadcrumbs.
A large skillet. High sides are good for the Gravy .
A whisk. Get rid of those lumps!
A spatula or wooden spoon.

If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. And honestly, who hasn't used a dinner plate instead of a mixing bowl at some point?

So, gather your bits and bobs. Get ready to make some seriously tasty Homemade Swedish Meatballs ! Let’s do this.

Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe: Your New Weeknight Hero

Fancy a bit of hygge on your plate? This Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe is your ticket to comfort food heaven.

Honestly, forget the flatpack furniture for a night and dive into some proper, Homemade Swedish Meatballs . This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight, and so delicious it'll become a family favorite.

I reckon, after you taste this recipe you would get rid of your IKEA cafeteria experience for good.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Getting your ingredients prepped beforehand is a real game changer. We call it " mise en place ", proper fancy that eh?! Finely chop that onion, mince your garlic, and measure out your spices.

Honestly, this makes cooking way less stressful. Plus, Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Jam are a match made in heaven, so get that jam ready too!

step-by-step: Meatball Mastery

Soak 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs in 1/2 cup whole milk. Let it sit to soften.
Mix 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork, 1 beaten egg, onion, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper with the breadcrumb mixture. Don't overmix!
Roll into 1 inch meatballs.
Brown in batches in 2 tablespoons of oil over medium high heat. Set aside.
Melt 2 tablespoons butter, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, cook for 2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups beef broth.
Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened.
Add meatballs and simmer for 15- 20 minutes , until internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

Pro Tips for Tender Meatballs

A little secret? Don't overmix the Meatballs . This keeps them light. Also, browning them in batches prevents steaming, giving them a lovely colour.

And one more thing, don't skip the lingonberry jam, it elevates the Swedish Meatball Recipe to a whole new level.

You know? If lingonberry is not available, you can always use cranberry sauce.

Make that Gravy Creamy

The secret to a perfect gravy? A proper roux! That's the butter and flour mixture. Cook it for a couple of minutes to get rid of that floury taste.

Also, don't be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning. A little extra mustard or Worcestershire can make all the difference.

Oh, my gosh!

So there you have it a Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe that's both authentic and achievable. Get stuck in, enjoy, and remember cooking should be fun! And if you feel adventurous you can try and make the Authentic Swedish Meatballs .

Recipe Notes for Seriously Savory Swedish Meatballs

Right, so you're about to embark on making the best Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe , ever? Sorted. Let's chat about a few bits and bobs that'll make the whole shebang even easier, yeah?

Ace Serving Suggestions

Think of your Swedish Meatballs as stars, right? So, give 'em a proper stage!

Plating and Presentation: I reckon a dollop of creamy mash, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and a cheeky spoonful of Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry Jam looks proper posh.
If you want to be a bit fancy, a swirl of cream on top of the Gravy is the way to go.
Sides and Drinks: Alongside mash, buttered egg noodles work a treat. And for a bit of contrast? Pickled cucumbers are a total game changer.
For drinks, a crisp lager or even a nice chilled glass of apple juice does the trick.

Smart Storage

Right, let's say you've got leftovers (unlikely, mind you!). Here's what you need to know.

Fridge: Pop the meatballs and gravy in an airtight container. They'll be good for about 3-4 days. Honestly, they never last that long in my house!
Freezer: You can freeze these little beauties, but the texture of the Creamy Swedish Meatballs ' Gravy might change a bit.
To freeze, let 'em cool completely, then freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Just heat them gently on the hob or in the microwave. If the Gravy is a bit thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .

Ace Adaptations

Fancy a change? Or have dietary needs? No worries, I've got you covered.

Dietary: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the Gravy . You know? Easy peasy. If you don't have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work fine.
Seasonal: In the autumn, I like adding a bit of grated apple to the Meatball mixture. It adds a lovely bit of sweetness.

Nutrition Basics

Look, these aren't exactly health food, are they? But everything in moderation, right? The Swedish Meatball Recipe (per serving) clocks in around 450 calories.

There's about 30g of protein, which is great, but also 30g of fat, so bear that in mind. Think of the Tender Meatballs as a treat, not an everyday meal.

Right then, now you're armed with all the insider info. Go forth and create some Authentic Swedish Meatballs ! I'm telling you, once you nail this Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe , you'll be everyone's favourite cook.

Get ready for the accolades coming your way, you star! You can even try it with turkey instead of beef, for the healthier option.

Now go forth, and make some amazing Homemade Swedish Meatballs !

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making them ahead of time can actually improve the flavor. You can prepare the meatballs and gravy separately, store them in the fridge for up to 2 days, and then combine and simmer them before serving.

Just remember to give them a good reheating to ensure they're piping hot all the way through nobody wants a lukewarm meatball!

What's the best way to store leftover Swedish meatballs?

Leftover Savory Swedish Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months.

When freezing, consider portioning them out for easy thawing and serving like ready meals, but much tastier.

I don't have lingonberry jam; can I use something else in this Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe?

Lingonberry jam is a classic addition, offering a delightful sweet tart flavor that complements the savory meatballs. However, if you can't find it, cranberry sauce makes a great substitute. Alternatively, a dollop of red currant jelly or even a small amount of brown sugar can provide a similar touch of sweetness.

Just be mindful of the sweetness level and adjust to your taste after all, it's your tea party.

My gravy is too thin! How do I thicken the sauce for these Swedish meatballs?

A thin gravy can be a bit of a bother, but thankfully there's a fix! You can thicken it by creating a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisking it into the simmering gravy.

Alternatively, you can simmer the gravy uncovered for a few more minutes, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. Remember, patience is a virtue, especially when gravy is involved don't rush it!

Can I make this Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can definitely make a gluten-free version! The key is to substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the gravy.

Always double check that all your ingredients, including Worcestershire sauce, are certified gluten-free to avoid any sneaky gluten sources. With a few simple swaps, everyone can enjoy a taste of Scandinavia!

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for this Savory Swedish Meatballs Recipe?

Absolutely! While the classic recipe calls for a mix of ground beef and pork, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent alternatives. Keep in mind that turkey and chicken are leaner than beef and pork, so you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter to the meatball mixture to keep them moist and tender.

Adjust the seasoning to your liking, and you'll have a delicious, lighter version of this Scandinavian favourite.