Swedish Meatballs (or Köttbullar) are a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any time of year. They’re tender, flavorful meatballs made with a mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned with spices like allspice and nutmeg, and served with a creamy, rich gravy. Typically, they’re enjoyed with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce for that classic Swedish touch.
Here’s a simple, traditional recipe for Swedish Meatballs:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (you can also use just beef or just pork if you prefer)
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk (to soak the breadcrumbs)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice (this is a key flavor in Swedish meatballs!)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for color and depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk together. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become soft.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, egg, and the soaked breadcrumbs mixture.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix everything until it’s well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can make the meatballs tough.
2. Form the Meatballs:
- Wet your hands with a little water to prevent sticking, then shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-25 meatballs, depending on the size.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, cooking them until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. You may need to turn them gently to ensure even browning.
- Once cooked, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium heat.
- Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to form a roux (a paste). Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to brown slightly without burning.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth while continuing to stir to avoid lumps.
- Add the soy sauce for extra depth and color, and bring the gravy to a simmer. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the gravy is smooth and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Combine the Meatballs and Gravy:
- Add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet with the gravy. Stir gently to coat the meatballs in the gravy.
- Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for about 5 minutes, so they absorb the flavors and stay warm.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Swedish meatballs with the creamy gravy over mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, or egg noodles. You can also serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- Make-ahead option: You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them (either before or after cooking) to save time later. Just store them in an airtight container and thaw before serving.
- Lingonberry Sauce: For the authentic Swedish touch, serve these meatballs with lingonberry sauce on the side. It’s sweet and tangy and pairs perfectly with the rich, savory meatballs.
- Customizing flavors: If you want to make these meatballs more flavorful, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the meatball mixture.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground meat for a plant-based meat substitute and use a vegetable broth for the gravy.
- Spicy Meatballs: Add a little crushed red pepper or cayenne to the meatball mixture for a slight kick of heat.
Swedish meatballs are a cozy, comforting meal with a rich, creamy gravy that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner, they’re sure to be a hit! Would you try them with mashed potatoes, or do you have another side you’d like to pair them with?
