Swedish Meatballs and Sauce Recipe

Swedish meatballs are a staple at potlucks and cocktail parties, but they can also be the centerpiece of a hearty, home-cooked meal. The spices used in these meatballs, as well as the accompanying sauce, are what set this dish apart from all other meatball recipes. Give them a try, and taste just how delicious they truly are.

Homemade Recipe

This recipe serves about four to six people.

Ingredients

Meatball Ingredients

• 3/4 pound ground beef
• 3/4 pound ground pork
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 4 slices white bread
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

Sauce Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups beef stock
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper

Cooking Instructions

Meatball Instructions

1. Adjust your oven shelf height to the highest level beneath your broiler, and set the oven temperature to broil.
2. Spray the top of a broiling pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
3. In a large frying pan, melt two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it's translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Save the pan to make the sauce in later.
4. While the onions are cooking, combine the milk, eggs, allspice, nutmeg and ginger in a large bowl, and whisk to combine.
5. Tear the bread into small pieces, and stir them and the onions into the egg and milk mix.
6. Break up the pork and beef with your hands, add it to the egg and milk mix, and mix everything together thoroughly using your hands.
7. Pinch off portions of the meatball mixture, roll them into approximately 1 1/2-inch balls, and place them on the broiler pan.
8. Place the pan under the broiler, and broil the meatballs, watching them carefully. As each side browns, turn them with tongs to ensure even browning on all sides.

Sauce Instructions

1. Add the three tablespoons of butter to the frying pan and melt it over a low heat.
2. Stir the flour into the butter until the butter is absorbed.
3. Pour the stock and cream into the pan and whisk constantly over medium-high heat to thicken the mixture into a creamy sauce.
4. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Finishing Instructions

1. When the meatballs are browned on all sides, add them to the sauce mix.
2. Simmer the meatballs over a low heat for 15 to 20 minutes to finish cooking. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Serve immediately. These meatballs are also easy to cook ahead, refrigerate, and serve a day or two later after reheating.

Swedish Meatball Dinner Menu Ideas

Swedish meatballs make a great main course. Follow the recipe below, and consider the following side dishes to round out your dinner menu.

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice
• Stuffing
• A vegetable, such as corn, green beans, or roasted carrots

Make These Meatballs a Family Tradition

Once you try this recipe, you'll find that Swedish meatballs really aren't difficult to make. In fact, it might be fun to invite your family to help you roll the meatballs, which can free you up to get the side dishes started. Working together might be so much fun that you decide to make this dish one of your traditional family meals.