Best 7 Swedish Meatballs From A Swede Recipes

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Swedish meatballs, a ubiquitous dish in Swedish cuisine, are a delightful combination of tender minced meat and a flavorful sauce, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. Originating in Sweden, they have gained immense popularity worldwide, becoming a staple in many households. If you're seeking an authentic Swedish meatball recipe, look no further! This article will guide you through the process of creating delicious and authentic Swedish meatballs, using traditional Swedish ingredients and cooking techniques. Let's embark on a culinary journey to savor the delectable taste of this classic dish!

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

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 (FROM A SWEDE!)



Swedish Meatballs (From a Swede!) image

This is my mom's Swedish meatball recipe. This isn't the kind a lot of people are used to in a creamy white sauce. She served them every Christmas Eve in a chafing dish as part of the 'Smörgåsbord.' My mom used to have a vegetable sour cream and a lingonberry sauce on the table for those that might want to dip these in something.

Provided by Linda T

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Meat and Poultry     Pork

Time 50m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon minced onion
⅓ cup fine dry bread crumbs
½ cup water
½ cup half-and-half
¾ pound ground beef
¼ pound ground pork
2 teaspoons salt
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
⅓ teaspoon white sugar
3 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a frying pan over low heat; cook and stir onion in melted butter until lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Mix bread crumbs, water, and half-and-half in a large bowl; let stand for about 2 minutes. Stir cooked onion, ground beef, ground pork, salt, white pepper, and sugar into bread crumb mixture until thoroughly mixed. Shape mixture into about 48 very small meatballs.
  • Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet; add meatballs. Brown slowly, allowing about 25 minutes, until meatballs are fully cooked in the middle and no longer pink. Shake pan occasionally to cook evenly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 69.4 calories, Carbohydrate 1.4 g, Cholesterol 18.7 mg, Fat 5.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 3.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 231.2 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

ALMOST-FAMOUS SWEDISH MEATBALLS



Almost-Famous Swedish Meatballs image

Some people drive for hours to get to an Ikea store, and we know they aren't making the trek just for the $9.99 chairs. They're going for the Swedish meatballs. The dish has been a main attraction at Ikea Restaurants since an in-store chef developed the recipe in Switzerland in 1985. Although Ikea's Real Swedish Food Book, published in 2000, included a meatball recipe, reps confirmed that it is not the one served at their restaurants. Ikea is keeping that baby a secret, so chefs in Food Network Kitchens hit a nearby store for a tasting, then created this spot-on copy.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     appetizer

Time 50m

Yield About 45 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup minced white onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
3/4 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound lean ground pork
1 large egg plus 1 egg white, beaten
Vegetable oil, for brushing
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup heavy cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Lingonberry jam, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Make the meatballs: Put the breadcrumbs in a large bowl. Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, allspice, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the milk and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Pour the milk mixture over the breadcrumbs and stir to make a thick paste; let cool. Add the beef, pork, egg and egg white to the bowl and mix until combined.
  • Brush a baking sheet with vegetable oil. Roll the meat into 1-inch balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake the meatballs until cooked through, about 20 minutes.
  • Make the gravy: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking, until smooth. Whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer. Add the cream and meatballs. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the gravy thickens, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Transfer to a serving dish; sprinkle with the parsley and serve with lingonberry jam, if desired.

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.

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.

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 high-quality ground beef and pork. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your meatballs.
  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
  • Gently roll the meatballs. Don't pack them too tightly, or they will be dense.
  • Use a meat thermometer to make sure the meatballs are cooked through. They should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite sauce. Some popular options include gravy, lingonberry sauce, or cream sauce.

Conclusion:

Swedish meatballs are a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and can be served with a variety of sides. If you are looking for a new and exciting dish to try, Swedish meatballs are a great option.

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