Quick and Easy Swedish Meatballs
This quick and easy Swedish meatball recipe is a delicious 30-minute meal for busy weekdays. Tender meatballs paired with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or cosy family dinner. Simple ingredients you can easily find at your nearby store.
If you love Swedish meatballs, you’re in for a treat! This recipe is hands-down the best you’ll ever try, and yes, it’s even better than the famous Ikea meatballs. Perfectly seasoned and incredibly flavorful, these meatballs are tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. They’re easy to make and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
I always find myself using the ingredients I have in my cupboard, especially before heading out for food shopping. I aim to utilize all the food I have to minimize food waste. It’s amazing how many interesting recipes come out of this process.
I especially enjoy quick and easy recipes that can be paired differently each time. This meatball recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, Turkish bulgur, pasta, mashed or baked potatoes, a slice of freshly baked bread, or on its own with a piece of homemade tortilla.
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This Swedish Meatball dish is ideal for a fast meal on busy days. Whether served as a main course or a snack, it’s bound to leave everyone wanting more. You should also try our Lemon Chicken, Easy 15-minute Udon Noodles, Turkey Mince Noodles, or Gnocchi made easy with Pesto and Zucchini for a quick delicious lunch or dinner.
Looking for more? Check out these Dinner Recipes!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe for Swedish meatballs is a hit because it’s quick, easy, and uses basic ingredients. Swedish meatballs are always a family favorite, and here they’re made even tastier with a rich, creamy sauce.
It’s a simple dish that’s perfect for busy nights, and you can pair it with any side dish you like. Since it’s homemade, you know exactly what goes into it, making it a healthier choice. Kids love it too, and it’s low in calories, so it’s a win-win for everyone at the table.
A make-ahead-friendly recipe that you can prepare in advance, store, and reheat when needed, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Ingredients to make Swedish Meatballs
Meatball Ingredients
- Beef mince meat: This is the primary ingredient for the meatballs, providing the base protein. Choose ground beef with some fat content (about 80-85%) to ensure the meatballs are juicy and flavorful.
- Large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the meatballs. The chopped onion also helps keep the meatballs moist.
- Eggs: Act as a binder to help hold the meatballs together, ensuring they don’t fall apart during cooking.
- Bread crumbs: These help to absorb moisture and keep the meatballs tender. They also contribute to the overall texture.
- Garlic: Fresh is best to be used, it has a stronger kick.
- Parsley and dill, chopped: Fresh herbs that add a burst of flavor and freshness to the meatballs. Parsley offers a mild, peppery taste, while dill adds a hint of anise-like sweetness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the meatballs. Adjust according to your preference.
Sauce Ingredients
- Butter: Used for frying the meatballs and forming the base of the sauce. The butter adds richness and flavor.
- Flour: Combined with butter to make a roux, which thickens the sauce and gives it a smooth, creamy texture.
- Beef stock cube mixed with hot water: This creates a flavorful broth that forms the liquid base of the sauce. The beef stock cube provides a concentrated beef flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
Substitutions
For the meatballs:
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives.
- Onion, finely chopped: Shallots or leeks are also good.
- Eggs: A flaxseed or chia seed egg can be substituted for a vegan option.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Garlic: You can use powder or granules instead or frozen chopped garlic.
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro, basil, or thyme can also be used.
For the sauce:
- Butter: Olive oil or vegetable oil can be substituted.
- Flour: All-purpose or gluten-free flour or cornstarch can be used.
- Beef stock: Gravy granules, chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted.
Expert Tips
- Choose the Right Meat: Opt for ground beef with a higher fat content (around 80-85%) to ensure juicy and flavorful meatballs. For a lighter option, use a combination of ground turkey or chicken.
- Brown the Meatballs Well: When frying the meatballs, make sure to brown them well on all sides. This step not only adds flavour through caramelization but also helps to seal in the juices, keeping the meatballs moist and tender. Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning.
- Simmer in the Sauce: After browning the meatballs, simmer them in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together and ensures the meatballs are fully cooked through. Plus, it gives the meatballs a chance to absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Storage and Leftovers
Storage: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat meatballs in a skillet with butter or oil over low heat or in the microwave at 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating from Frozen: Bake frozen meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Leftover Ideas: Serve meatballs over pasta or mashed potatoes, in a sandwich, in soups or stews, or cold in salads or wraps.
FAQs
Swedish meatballs are smaller and often seasoned with warm spices like allspice or nutmeg. They are served with a creamy gravy made with beef or chicken stock and heavy cream, typically alongside mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce.
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef and pork. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may differ slightly from the traditional version.
Swedish meatballs pair well with creamy mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice. Lingonberry sauce or cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory dish.
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them together on the stovetop before serving.
Absolutely! Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.
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