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- 1 pound ground beef - ½ pound ground pork (optional) - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced To start making Swedish meatballs, you need quality meat. Ground beef is the main base. If you want, add ground pork for extra flavor. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic give the meatballs a nice taste. - ¾ cup breadcrumbs - 1 large egg - ½ cup milk Binding ingredients help hold the meatballs together. Breadcrumbs give them texture. The egg acts as a binder, while milk keeps them moist. These three ingredients are key for tender meatballs. - 1 teaspoon ground allspice - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Seasonings make your meatballs special. Ground allspice and nutmeg add warmth and depth. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors. Adjust the seasoning to your taste for the best results. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, mix your meatball base. Grab a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef. If you want, add ½ pound of ground pork. This adds flavor. Next, add 1 small finely chopped onion. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Don’t forget ¾ cup of breadcrumbs and ½ cup of milk. Now, crack in 1 large egg. For flavor, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of ground allspice and nutmeg. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your meatballs tender and juicy. Now it’s time to shape the meatballs. Use your hands to form small balls. Each should be about 1 inch in size. They should look round and smooth. Place them on a baking sheet or plate. This helps keep them organized as you work. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot. Now, add the meatballs in batches. Make sure not to crowd the pan. This lets them brown evenly. Sear the meatballs for 5-7 minutes. Turn them often to brown on all sides. Once they are brown, transfer them to a plate. Set them aside while you make the sauce. To make tender meatballs, do not overmix the ingredients. Mix just until combined. Overmixing makes them tough. A good mix keeps them soft and juicy. For the best flavor, use a mix of meats. I suggest 1 pound of ground beef and ½ pound of ground pork. This blend adds depth to the taste. Pork gives a nice fat content, making the meatballs rich. To get the sauce thick, slowly whisk in the heavy cream. This helps keep the sauce smooth. If it seems too thin, use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Add it to the sauce and stir well. Adjust the seasoning for balance. Taste the sauce and add salt or pepper as needed. The sauce should enhance the flavors without being too salty. Traditionally, serve Swedish meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes. This classic combo brings comfort. You might also try serving them with lingonberry sauce for a sweet touch. For side dishes, consider steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. These add color and crunch. You can also serve them on a bed of noodles for a different twist. Whatever you choose, enjoy the blend of rich flavors! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill to your meatball mixture enhances the flavor and brings a fresh element to the dish. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, be careful not to overmix. This helps keep the meatballs tender and prevents them from becoming tough. Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more beef broth after thickening with cornstarch. Adjust to your taste! Serve with Lingonberry Sauce: For an authentic Swedish experience, serve your meatballs with extra lingonberry sauce on the side for a sweet and tangy contrast. {{image_4}} You can easily change the flavor of your Swedish meatballs. Try using different spices. Instead of allspice, use cinnamon or cardamom for a warm twist. You can also mix in some garlic powder or onion powder for added depth. For the sauce, you can swap lingonberry jam with another berry jam. Raspberry or cranberry jam works well too. This gives the sauce a unique taste while keeping it sweet and tangy. If you want a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken. These meats are leaner but still flavorful. Adjust the spices to match the lighter taste. For a vegan version, try using lentils or chickpeas. Mash them and mix with breadcrumbs and spices to form meatballs. This gives you a tasty plant-based alternative. You can serve Swedish meatballs in many fun ways. Mixing them with pasta or rice makes a hearty meal. The creamy sauce coats the pasta nicely, adding flavor. Another option is to serve them as a meatball sub. Use a crusty roll and load it up with meatballs and sauce. Top with cheese and let it melt for a delicious twist. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! To keep your leftover meatballs fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This method helps keep them safe for up to three days. If you want to save them longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or a resealable bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. When reheating meatballs, the best method is to use the stovetop. Place them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can also use the microwave. Cover the meatballs with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Stir occasionally for even heating. For the sauce, heat it separately to maintain its creamy texture. Refrigerated meatballs last about three days. If you freeze them, they can last for three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the meatballs smell off, have a change in color, or feel slimy, do not eat them. Trust your senses to keep your meals safe and tasty! What traditional spices are used? Swedish meatballs often use ground allspice and nutmeg. These spices give the meatballs their warm, cozy flavor. You can also add salt and pepper to enhance the taste. Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead. Shape them and store in the fridge for one day. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just cook them when you are ready to serve. What can I use instead of lingonberry jam? If you can't find lingonberry jam, you can use other berry jams. Raspberry or cranberry jam works well. These jams provide a similar sweet and tart flavor. Is it necessary to use ground pork? No, it is not necessary to use ground pork. If you prefer, you can use only ground beef. The meatballs will still be tasty and tender with just beef. Can I bake Swedish meatballs instead of frying? You can bake Swedish meatballs! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. This method is easier and cuts down on oil. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked? To check if the meatballs are done, use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one in half. It should be no longer pink inside. We explored how to make delicious Swedish meatballs, from key ingredients to cooking tips. I shared steps for a perfect mixture, shaping, and cooking, ensuring juicy meatballs every time. Remember, the right seasoning and sauce can elevate your dish. Whether you serve them with pasta or a side dish, these meatballs are sure to impress. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Now, it’s time to enjoy your homemade meatballs and impress your family and friends!

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Lingonberry Sauce

Delicious meatballs made with a blend of beef and pork, served in a creamy lingonberry sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Swedish
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 pound ground pork
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.75 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lingonberry jam
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground beef and ground pork (if using). Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just incorporated.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, each about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, searing them for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the beef broth, soy sauce, and lingonberry jam. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, cooking and stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce and cook for an additional minute, stirring continuously until creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let them simmer together for 2-3 minutes.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, garnish with parsley and serve with mashed potatoes.
Keyword lingonberry sauce, meatballs, Swedish cuisine