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Creamy Swedish Meatballs Recipe – Best Homemade Gravy for Comfort Food

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Tender Swedish meatballs made with a blend of beef and pork, simmered in a rich, creamy gravy. This comforting classic is perfect for cozy family dinners and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for gravy)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (swap for gluten-free if needed)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp oil (for sautéing onions)
  • 2 tbsp butter (for browning meatballs)
  • 1 tbsp oil (for browning meatballs)
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce

Instructions

  1. In a small skillet, heat 1 tsp oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Let cool slightly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls (about 20-22 meatballs). Place on a plate or sheet pan.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, searing on all sides for about 5-6 minutes per batch. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add 2 tbsp butter to the same pan. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until golden and nutty.
  6. Gradually pour in beef broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Add heavy cream, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  7. Return meatballs and any juices to the skillet. Spoon gravy over the top. Simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, turning meatballs occasionally, until cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Gravy will thicken.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot. Optional: Serve with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream, non-dairy milk, and plant-based sour cream. Meatballs can be made ahead and finished in gravy before serving. If gravy is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered. Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice and lingonberry jam for a classic touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish meatballs, creamy gravy, comfort food, family dinner, beef, pork, easy recipe, classic, Scandinavian, mashed potatoes, egg noodles

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