Name: Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup (60ml) milk; 1/3 cup (50g) finely chopped onion; 1/4 cup (15g) finely chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp ground all-spice powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper; 1/4 cup (60g) butter; 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil; 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour; 2 cups (480ml) beef broth; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or sour cream); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste); 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Some days, you just need a plate of Swedish Meatballs smothered in creamy gravy to make everything right in the world. Whether you’re channeling your inner IKEA shopper or simply craving a cozy, home-cooked meal, this recipe will hit the spot. Juicy, perfectly seasoned homemade meatballs nestled in a luscious, savory sauce—what’s not to love?

This isn’t your quick heat-and-serve version (looking at you, frozen meatballs), but don’t worry—it’s still weeknight-friendly and totally worth a few extra minutes at the stove. If you’ve ever wondered how to make those IKEA-style meatballs at home, this is your ticket to a deliciously satisfying meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ready to bring a little Swedish coziness to your kitchen? Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking.

Why You’ll Love These Swedish Meatballs

These Swedish Meatballs are pure comfort in every bite. The combination of ground beef, fresh parsley, and a hint of allspice creates a flavor that’s warm and homey, while the creamy gravy and meatball sauce bring everything together in a rich, velvety embrace. Whether you’re serving them over mashed potatoes, buttery noodles, or a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Plus, it’s a lot easier than assembling that new IKEA bookshelf—promise.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450g) ground beef
1/2 cup (60g) breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1/3 cup (50g) finely chopped onion
1/4 cup (15g) finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground all-spice powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

For the Gravy:

1/4 cup (60g) butter
2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (480ml) beef broth
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or sour cream)
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

How to Make Homemade Swedish Meatballs

Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, onion, parsley, garlic powder, all-spice, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (it’s the best tool here) to mix until everything’s well blended and smooth.
Shape the Meatballs: Scoop about 2 spoonfuls per meatball and roll into even, round balls. If the mixture feels sticky, lightly coat your hands with oil to make rolling easier.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add the meatballs, browning them on all sides—about 7-8 minutes total. Turn them gently to keep their shape. Once browned, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat for a minute. Stir in flour, cooking until it bubbles and turns a light golden color. Slowly whisk in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about a minute). Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, blending it all into a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Simmer & Finish: Return the meatballs to the skillet, making sure they’re fully coated in the gravy. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through. Remove the lid and let the sauce thicken for an additional 2 minutes, stirring gently.
Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve piping hot over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice for the ultimate comfort food recipe.

Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Gravy Meatballs

Don’t Skip the All-Spice: It’s the secret ingredient that gives these meatballs that authentic, slightly sweet undertone. A little goes a long way!
Use a Light Touch: When mixing and shaping the meatballs, avoid overworking the mixture. Gentle hands make tender meatballs.
Gravy Consistency Check: If your gravy feels too thick, splash in a bit more beef broth to loosen it up. Too thin? Let it simmer a little longer.
Want a Shortcut? You can swap out the heavy cream for sour cream if that’s what you have on hand—it adds a slight tang that’s delicious.

A Little Family Story Behind This Recipe

IKEA trips are a family tradition in my house, but let’s be real—it’s mostly for the meatballs. After one too many flat-pack furniture meltdowns, I decided to bring the magic home. These homemade meatballs became a Sunday staple, a warm reward after a long week. My kids love helping roll the meatballs (though some end up looking more like meat cubes), and my husband swears the gravy is better than the “official” version. Now, we skip the crowds and enjoy these IKEA-style meatballs in the comfort of our own kitchen—with no Allen wrenches in sight.

What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs are incredibly versatile. The classic pairing is creamy mashed potatoes, soaking up every drop of that velvety gravy. But they’re equally fantastic served over buttered egg noodles for a pasta twist. Craving something lighter? A bed of fluffy white rice does the trick. Add a side of roasted veggies or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness, and if you’re feeling extra authentic, a dollop of lingonberry jam will bring a sweet-tart pop that’s just delightful.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to heat evenly.

Want to freeze them? No problem! Freeze the meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove for a quick comfort meal on a busy night.

Swedish Meatballs FAQs

Can I use a mix of beef and pork for the meatballs?

Absolutely! A 50/50 blend of beef and pork will give you an even juicier texture. Just be sure to adjust the salt slightly, as pork can add more natural flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour for the gravy. You’ll still get that deliciously creamy sauce.

Can I prep these meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely. You can shape the meatballs a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, just brown and finish them in the gravy.

Comfort Food at Its Best—Swedish Meatballs for Every Occasion

When life calls for a hearty, feel-good meal, these Swedish Meatballs are always the answer. From their tender, juicy bite to the rich, creamy gravy meatball sauce, every forkful is pure comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a little midweek pick-me-up, this recipe delivers on all fronts. So skip the trip to IKEA and bring this comfort food recipe straight to your table—you won’t regret it.

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