Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms both the heart and the stomach, you’ve come to the right place! This Swedish Meatballs with Gravy recipe is a cherished family favorite that has been shared at numerous gatherings and cozy weeknights. The tender, spiced meatballs swimming in rich gravy create the perfect comfort food experience. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy evenings or special occasions.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these meatballs are sure to impress. Serve them alongside mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, or pickled cucumbers for a true taste of Scandinavia. Trust me; once you try this dish, it may just become a beloved staple in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 50 minutes, you can have a delicious dinner on the table that everyone will love.
• Family-friendly: Both kids and adults adore these flavorful meatballs, making them perfect for any gathering.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and simply reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
• Comforting flavors: The blend of spices and creamy gravy makes every bite a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Each component plays a vital role in creating those delightful meatballs and the creamy gravy that everyone craves.

For the Meatballs

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1/2 small onion (finely grated or minced)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Gravy

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based meat alternatives and vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Add some greens: Mix in chopped spinach or kale into the meatball mixture for added nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a little heat in your food!

How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for about five minutes until they absorb the milk. This step helps keep your meatballs moist and tender. Then, add in ground beef, grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough meatballs!

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

With clean hands, shape the mixture into small balls—about one inch in diameter works well. This size ensures they cook evenly. Place them on a baking sheet while you prepare to cook them!

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Once hot, add your meatballs in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides—this step adds amazing flavor through caramelization.

Step 4: Make the Gravy

Once all meatballs are browned and set aside, use the same skillet to prepare your gravy. Melt more butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in beef broth while ensuring there are no lumps. Then add heavy cream and soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce). Allow this mixture to simmer until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Return the meatballs back into the skillet with gravy. Simmer everything together for about five minutes so that those delicious flavors meld beautifully! Serve hot over mashed potatoes with your favorite sides.

Now that you have this delightful Swedish Meatballs with Gravy recipe at hand, I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Creating the perfect Swedish Meatballs with Gravy can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help you achieve meatball perfection!

• Use fresh breadcrumbs: Fresh breadcrumbs absorb moisture better than dried ones, resulting in juicier meatballs. You can easily make them by pulsing stale bread in a food processor.

• Don’t overmix the meat: Combining the ingredients just until they’re mixed helps keep your meatballs tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture that’s less enjoyable.

• Chill the meatballs before cooking: Letting your formed meatballs rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes helps them hold their shape during cooking, preventing them from falling apart.

• Taste as you go: Before cooking all your meatballs, fry up a small patty of the mixture to taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This ensures that your finished dish is perfectly seasoned.

• Add flavor to your gravy: Incorporating soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce adds depth to the gravy. These ingredients enhance umami, making the gravy richer and more satisfying.

How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

Serving your Swedish Meatballs with Gravy is all about presentation and complementing flavors. Here are some ideas to elevate this comforting dish!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
• Lingonberry jam: A traditional accompaniment that provides a sweet-tart contrast to the savory meatballs.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances out the spices in the dish.

Side Dishes

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing that soaks up the delicious gravy, creating a satisfying meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients while bringing out natural sweetness when caramelized.
• Pickled cucumbers: This tangy side offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the hearty meatballs.
• Egg noodles: Simple buttered egg noodles serve as an excellent base for soaking up gravy, making every bite enjoyable.

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your dining experience but also impress your family and friends. Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Swedish Meatballs with Gravy recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make the meatballs in advance and store them for quick weeknight dinners. Here’s how to keep your delicious meatballs fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the meatballs and gravy to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container, separating the meatballs from the gravy if desired.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, adding gravy if desired.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of beef broth if necessary.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful dish, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I use different meats for Swedish Meatballs with Gravy?

Absolutely! While traditional recipes often use ground beef, you can also mix ground turkey or chicken. Just adjust seasonings as needed for different meats.

How do I make Swedish Meatballs with Gravy gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives and use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the gravy.

Can I prepare Swedish Meatballs with Gravy ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and gravy in advance. Just follow the storage instructions provided above for easy reheating later.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe for Swedish Meatballs with Gravy brings warmth and joy to your table! It’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. Enjoy creating this delicious meal for your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to experiment with sides or spices to make it your own. Happy cooking!

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