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Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan‑fry & simmer
  • Cuisine: Swedish
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Classic Swedish meatballs in a rich, creamy gravy—perfect for a comforting meal served over mashed potatoes or egg noodles.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
  • 2 tbsp all‑purpose flour (for gravy)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)


Instructions

  1. In a bowl, soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes.
  2. Add ground meat, chopped onion, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; mix until combined.
  3. Form mixture into small meatballs (about 1″ diameter).
  4. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat; brown meatballs on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
  5. In same skillet, sprinkle flour over pan drippings; cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring to form a roux.
  6. Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up browned bits.
  7. Stir in cream (or sour cream) and Worcestershire sauce if using; simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
  8. Return meatballs to skillet; cook for another 5 minutes, turning to coat in gravy.
  9. Serve hot over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles.

Notes

  • You can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or panko.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Make meatballs ahead and freeze before cooking; cook from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes.
  • Add a pinch of allspice for more authentic Swedish flavor.