Best 8 Most Authentic Swedish Meatballs Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to discover the most authentic Swedish meatballs, a timeless classic that embodies the essence of Swedish cuisine. These delectable orbs of minced meat, infused with aromatic spices and lovingly simmered in a rich gravy, are a true testament to the Swedish tradition of meatballs done right. As you delve into this article, you'll uncover the secrets behind creating these iconic meatballs, ensuring that your taste buds are treated to an authentic Swedish experience.

Let's cook with our recipes!

SWEDISH MEATBALLS (SVENSKA KOTTBULLAR)



Swedish Meatballs (Svenska Kottbullar) image

Our family's traditional Christmas recipe, frequently doubled and kept warm in a crock pot. Worth the effort, and the meatballs are even better the next day! Reserve brown gravy and add sour cream to it the day you serve the leftovers.

Provided by Nom Nom Nom

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Scandinavian

Time 1h25m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 slices day-old white bread, crumbled
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon butter
1 small onion, minced
⅔ pound ground beef
⅓ pound finely ground pork
1 egg
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon butter
¼ cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or as needed
2 cups beef broth, or as needed
½ (8 ounce) container sour cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Place the bread crumbs into a small bowl, and mix in the cream. Allow to stand until crumbs absorb the cream, about 10 minutes. While the bread is soaking, melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, and cook and stir the onion until it turns light brown, about 10 minutes. Place onion into a mixing bowl; mix with the ground beef, ground pork, egg, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger. Lightly mix in the bread crumbs and cream.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pinch off about 1 1/2 tablespoon of the meat mixture per meatball, and form into balls. Place the meatballs into the skillet, and cook just until the outsides are brown, about 5 minutes, turning the meatballs often. Insides of the meatballs will still be pink. Place browned meatballs into a baking dish, pour in chicken broth, and cover with foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the meatballs are tender, about 40 minutes. Remove meatballs to a serving dish.
  • To make brown gravy, pour pan drippings into a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the pan drippings until smooth, and gradually whisk in enough beef broth to total about 2 1/2 cups of liquid. Bring the gravy to a simmer, whisking constantly until thick, about 5 minutes. Just before serving, whisk in the sour cream. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve the gravy with the meatballs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308.7 calories, Carbohydrate 11.9 g, Cholesterol 107.6 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 16.9 g, SaturatedFat 10.6 g, Sodium 794.2 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

AUTHENTIC SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Authentic Swedish Meatballs image

This recipe is one of my earliest food memories. Every Christmas Eve, my family enjoys an authentic Swedish Smorgasbord, of which this is an essential part. My mother still tells tales (and I'm 40) of me as a toddler, standing by the dish of meatballs and eating as many as I could hold. These are not spicy, like most Scandinavian food, but have a great flavor and texture. In fact, they are so soft, that I usually chill the meat mixture before rolling and frying to avoid meatballs with flat sides. I've included the directions for the gravy, which I usually don't make, as it's traditional, but the balls are wonderful without it on any buffet table, or as an addition to a potluck. They are also good cold, straight from the fridge. If you like to do OAMC cooking, these freeze beautifully, in fact, I never make less than 100 meatballs at a time, lightly brown them, then flash freeze to finish later. The traditional recipe calls for a mix of beef, pork, and veal- if you object to veal, they work equally well with an even mix of beef and pork. Don't try to use these as an option for spaghetti, the seasonings just don't match. Prep time does not include chilling the meat mixture or the prepared meatballs.

Provided by IngridH

Categories     Meat

Time 50m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons onions, grated
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 lb ground veal
1 egg
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
butter or oil
pan juices
1 tablespoon flour
3/4 cup cream (whole milk works in a pinch)
salt
white pepper

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a skillet.
  • Saute onions in the butter until golden.
  • Soak the bread crumbs in the milk.
  • To the bread mixture, add the meats, egg, onion, allspice, salt, and pepper. Mix until a smooth texture is achieved.
  • Chill mix for an hour or so, to firm it up.
  • Form mix into meatballs, using 1-2 tablespoons of meat per ball. (these should be smaller than a golf ball). If you are making these on a warm day, you might want to chill the formed balls again, so that you don't get flat sides when you fry them.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.
  • Melt a small amount of butter (traditional) or oil in the pan.
  • Add enough meatballs to fill the pan very loosely.
  • Shake the pan as you fry the balls, to keep the round shape as they cook. Continue to cook until they are evenly brown on all sides.
  • Remove each batch to a warm platter in the oven, as you fry the rest.
  • If you wish to make the gravy, deglaze the pan with a little water after each batch, and reserve the resulting drippings in a bowl.
  • For the gravy:.
  • When all of the meatballs have been fried, mix the flour and cream (or milk), and add to the reserved pan drippings in the skillet.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of cream (or milk) to thin, then taste and season with salt and/or pepper as needed.
  • Pour gravy over warm meatballs and serve with boiled potatoes and lingonberry sauce.

SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Swedish Meatballs image

The trick to Alton Brown's moist Swedish Meatballs recipe, from Good Eats on Food Network, is white bread soaked in milk.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     appetizer

Time 55m

Yield approximately 30 meatballs, 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 slices fresh white bread
1/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons clarified butter, divided
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
A pinch plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 pound ground chuck
3/4 pound ground pork
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups beef broth
1/4 cup heavy cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
  • Tear the bread into pieces and place in a small mixing bowl along with the milk. Set aside.
  • In a 12-inch straight sided saute pan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and sweat until the onions are soft. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the bread and milk mixture, ground chuck, pork, egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and onions. Beat on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Using a scale, weigh meatballs into 1-ounce portions and place on a sheet pan. Using your hands, shape the meatballs into rounds.
  • Heat the remaining butter in the saute pan over medium-low heat, or in an electric skillet set to 250 degrees F. Add the meatballs and saute until golden brown on all sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove the meatballs to an ovenproof dish using a slotted spoon and place in the warmed oven.
  • Once all of the meatballs are cooked, decrease the heat to low and add the flour to the pan or skillet. Whisk until lightly browned, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add the beef stock and whisk until sauce begins to thicken. Add the cream and continue to cook until the gravy reaches the desired consistency. Remove the meatballs from the oven, cover with the gravy and serve.

BEST SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Best Swedish Meatballs image

Our family has been using this recipe for more than 40 years. The tender meatballs are made with a combination of beef, veal and pork, then spiced with nutmeg and ginger. If your family likes their meatballs a little milder, reduce the nutmeg to 1/2 teaspoon. Coffee adds nice color to the gravy, which is delicious over noodles.-Rev. Jim Thyren, West Pittston, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs
1 cup half-and-half cream
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 pound each ground beef, veal and pork
GRAVY:
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1/2 cup hot brewed coffee
Hot cooked egg noodles, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and cream; let stand for 5 minutes. Stir in the egg, onion, parsley, salt, nutmeg and ginger. Crumble meat over mixture and mix well., Shape into 1-in. balls. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until no longer pink. Drain on paper towels. , Transfer meatballs to a greased 11x7-in. baking dish. Scrape pan drippings into a small saucepan; stir in flour until blended. Gradually stir in broth and coffee. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Pour over meatballs. , Bake, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. Serve with noodles if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 371 calories, Fat 24g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 135mg cholesterol, Sodium 878mg sodium, Carbohydrate 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

AUTHENTIC SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Authentic Swedish Meatballs image

There are as many meatball recipes as there are meatball lovers. This authentic Swedish recipe results in delicious, juicy meatballs with a good and creamy taste. Serve with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and a cream sauce!

Provided by SwedishChef

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Scandinavian

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ⅓ cups heavy cream
¾ cup rolled oats
8 teaspoons potato flour
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 pound 85% lean ground beef
2 teaspoons ground allspice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Mix cream, oats, potato flour, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow oats to absorb the liquid; paste should have the consistency of mashed potatoes.
  • Melt butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion until softened but still pale, 3 to 4 minutes. Add onions to the oat paste and mix well. And ground beef and allspice; mix just until combined, 30 to 45 seconds.
  • Oil your hands and roll mixture into meatballs of desired size, ideally smaller than a golf ball. Place meatballs on a sheet pan.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until meatballs are hot, about 10 minutes. Let cool briefly.
  • Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add oil. Cook and stir meatballs, about 10 at a time, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418.9 calories, Carbohydrate 11.4 g, Cholesterol 110.2 mg, Fat 36.6 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 11.7 g, SaturatedFat 17.7 g, Sodium 368.7 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

MOM'S SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Mom's Swedish Meatballs image

Mom fixed this Swedish meatball recipe for all sorts of family dinners, potluck suppers and PTA meetings. The scent of browning meat is intoxicating. Add to that the sweet smell of onions caramelizing, and everyone's mouth starts watering. -Marybeth Mank, Mesquite, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

3/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 medium onion, chopped
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 pounds ground beef
GRAVY:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2-3/4 cups 2% milk
2 cans (10-1/2 ounces each) condensed beef consomme, undiluted
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
NOODLES:
1 package (16 ounces) egg noodles
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients. Add beef; mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into 1-1/2-in. meatballs (about 36). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown meatballs in batches. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain, reserving drippings in pan., For gravy, stir flour into drippings; cook over medium-high heat until light brown (do not burn). Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir in the consomme, Worcestershire sauce, pepper and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Reduce heat to medium-low; return meatballs to pan. Cook, uncovered, 15-20 minutes longer or until meatballs are cooked through, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; toss with butter. Serve with meatball mixture; sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 837 calories, Fat 33g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 256mg cholesterol, Sodium 1744mg sodium, Carbohydrate 82g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 50g protein.

CLASSIC SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Classic Swedish meatballs image

Now you can recreate the meatballs you've enjoyed on furniture shopping trips at home...

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 8

400g lean pork mince
1 egg, beaten
1 small onion, finely chopped or grated
85g fresh white breadcrumbs
1 tbsp finely chopped dill, plus extra to serve
1tbsp each olive oil and butter
2 tbsp plain flour
400ml hot beef stock (from a cube is fine)

Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix the mince with the egg, onion, breadcrumbs, dill and seasoning. Form into small meatballs about the size of walnuts - you should get about 20.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan and brown the meatballs. You may have to do this in 2 batches. Remove from pan, melt the butter, then sprinkle over the flour and stir well. Cook for 2 mins, then slowly whisk in the stock. Keep whisking until it is a thick gravy, then return the meatballs to the pan and heat through. Sprinkle with dill and serve with cranberry jelly, greens and mash.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 301 calories, Fat 13 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 22 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 2 grams sugar, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 26 grams protein, Sodium 1.73 milligram of sodium

SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Swedish meatballs image

Cook pork mince meatballs and serve with classic lingonberry or cranberry sauce and spring greens for a healthy, low-calorie family meal

Provided by Esther Clark

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tbsp rapeseed oil
1 onion , finely chopped
1 small garlic clove , finely grated
375g lean pork mince
1 medium egg yolk
grating of nutmeg
50g fine fresh breadcrumbs
300ml hot low-salt beef stock
½ tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fat-free natural yogurt
400g spring greens , shredded
lingonberry or cranberry sauce , to serve

Steps:

  • Put 1 tbsp rapeseed oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 10 mins or until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min. Leave to cool.
  • Mix the cooled onions, pork mince, egg yolk, a good grating of nutmeg and the breadcrumbs in a bowl with your hands until well combined. Form into 12 balls and chill for 15 mins.
  • Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan and fry the meatballs for 5 mins over a medium heat, turning often until golden. Pour over the stock and bubble for 8-10 mins or until it has reduced a little. Stir through the mustard and yogurt.
  • Steam the greens for 5 mins or until tender. Serve the meatballs with the greens and a dollop of the sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 323 calories, Fat 18 grams fat, SaturatedFat 4 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 13 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 6 grams sugar, Fiber 6 grams fiber, Protein 24 grams protein, Sodium 1.04 milligram of sodium

Tips:

  • Use a combination of ground beef and pork: This will give the meatballs a more flavorful and juicy texture.
  • Add some bread crumbs to the meatball mixture: This will help to bind the meatballs and keep them from falling apart.
  • Season the meatballs generously with salt and pepper: This will help to bring out the flavor of the meat.
  • Brown the meatballs in a pan before adding them to the sauce: This will help to seal in the flavor and prevent the meatballs from becoming dry.
  • Use a rich, flavorful sauce for the meatballs: This will help to complement the taste of the meat and make the dish more enjoyable.
  • Serve the meatballs with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice: These are all classic accompaniments to Swedish meatballs.

Conclusion:

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight meal. With a few simple tips, you can make authentic Swedish meatballs that will rival any restaurant dish. So next time you're looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal, give Swedish meatballs a try.

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