Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?

Yes. Form meatballs, refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to simmer time.

What's the purpose of soaking bread in cream?

The bread acts as a binder and absorbs cream to keep the meatballs moist and tender rather than dense or dry.

Can I use ground beef only instead of beef and pork?

Yes, but pork adds fat and flavor that keeps meatballs juicier. If using all beef, add 1–2 tbsp melted butter to the mixture.

How do I know when meatballs are done?

They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and be firm to the touch. Browning takes 8–10 minutes; simmering in gravy takes another 10–15 minutes.

What can I serve Swedish meatballs with besides potatoes?

Egg noodles, buttered pasta, rice, or egg noodles work best. Lingonberry jam or sour cream on the side is traditional.

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy

Name: Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 2 slices white bread, crusts removed; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 tbsp butter; 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/2 lb ground beef; 1/2 lb ground pork; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp butter, for gravy; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef stock; 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream, for gravy; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Mashed potatoes, for serving

CookOSBeta

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy | CookOS

Ingredients

2 slices white bread, crusts removed
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp butter, for gravy
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups beef stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream, for gravy
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Mashed potatoes, for servingoptional

21 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
In a large bowl, tear bread into small pieces and soak in 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream.
2
While the bread soaks, melt 1 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for a few minutes until softened but not browned. Set aside.
3
To the bowl with the soaked bread, add the ground beef, ground pork, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and garlic powder.
4
Add the sautéed onions to the meat mixture. Gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix.
5
Form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield about 18 meatballs.
6
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat.
7
Working in batches, fry the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
8
To make the gravy, reduce the heat to medium. Leave about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan and add 4 tbsp of butter, allowing it to melt.
9
Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes.
10
Gradually whisk in the beef stock until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until the gravy has thickened.
11
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12
Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the sour cream and 2 tbsp of heavy cream until fully incorporated.
13
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
14
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and coat them in the gravy. Let them heat through for a minute.
15
Serve the Swedish meatballs and gravy hot over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or egg noodles.