Swedish meatballs are a timeless comfort food that bring warmth, flavor, and nostalgia to the table. These tender, juicy meatballs are made from seasoned ground beef, gently browned, and then smothered in a rich and velvety cream sauce.

The sauce, often flavored with a hint of nutmeg and Worcestershire sauce, perfectly complements the savory meatballs, making each bite indulgent yet comforting.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance. The meatballs are tender, packed with flavor, and coated in a creamy, savory sauce that elevates the entire dish. It’s approachable for home cooks yet restaurant-quality, making it a go-to recipe whenever I want something indulgent but familiar.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Classic comfort food: Velvety cream sauce with seasoned meatballs hits all the cozy notes.
• Versatile: Perfect for serving over potatoes, noodles, or rice.
• Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead friendly: Can be prepared in advance for easy weeknight dinners.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Servings: 4–6
• Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving
• Course: Main course
• Cuisine: Swedish / European comfort food

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 small onion, finely grated
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp allspice
• 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)

For the Cream Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. In a small bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, soaked breadcrumbs, grated onion, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix to keep meatballs tender).

Step 2: Form and Brown the Meatballs

1. Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside on a plate.
2. In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat.
3. Add meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5–6 minutes).
4. Remove meatballs and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually whisk in beef broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, simmering for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Sauce

1. Return browned meatballs to the skillet with the cream sauce.
2. Simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes, allowing meatballs to finish cooking and absorb the sauce.

How to Serve

• Serve Swedish meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice.
• Spoon extra cream sauce over the top.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
• Optional: Serve with lingonberry jam on the side for an authentic Swedish touch.

Recipe Tips

• Tender Meatballs: Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs light and tender.
• Browning: Browning the meatballs before adding sauce enhances flavor.
• Sauce Consistency: If sauce is too thick, add a splash of beef broth or cream.
• Make-Ahead: Meatballs can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Variations

1. Mixed Meat: Combine ground beef and pork for extra juiciness.
2. Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat.
3. Mushroom Cream Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth.
4. Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and gluten-free flour for a dairy-free version.
5. Mini Meatballs: Make smaller meatballs and serve as appetizers or party snacks.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze meatballs (without sauce) on a tray for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Freeze sauce separately.
• Reheating: Reheat meatballs in the cream sauce over low heat until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Whisk for sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: baking sheet if baking meatballs instead of pan-frying

FAQs

Q1: Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

• Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, then add to the cream sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

• Yes, but ground beef gives the richest flavor. Add extra fat (like a tbsp of olive oil) if using lean poultry.

Q3: Can I prepare meatballs ahead of time?

• Yes, shape and refrigerate the raw meatballs for up to 24 hours.

Q4: Can I thicken the cream sauce faster?

• Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce if needed.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

Conclusion

Ground Beef Swedish Meatballs with Cream Sauce are a classic comfort dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or weeknight meals, this recipe is both hearty and elegant. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s approachable for any home cook while delivering restaurant-quality results. Once you try it, this dish will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.