Easy Dinner Meatballs Recipe

Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort food that’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner or hosting a small gathering, this recipe is sure to please. how you can make the perfect Swedish meatballs from scratch, complete with creamy gravy.

Ingredients for Meatballs

To make authentic Swedish meatballs, you’ll need a combination of ground meats, seasonings, and simple pantry staples. Here’s a list of the main ingredients you’ll need:

– Ground beef and pork (or use just one type) – Breadcrumbs – Egg – Onion (finely chopped) – Garlic – Allspice and nutmeg – Salt and pepper – Butter – Heavy cream – Beef or vegetable broth – Dijon mustard

Making the Meatballs

Start by mixing your ground beef and pork in a large bowl. Add in breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so keep it light. Then, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.

Next, heat some butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take around 8 minutes. Once browned, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Gravy

In the same skillet, make the gravy by melting a bit more butter. Add some flour and stir to form a roux. Slowly pour in the broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Let the gravy simmer and thicken. Then, stir in heavy cream and a touch of Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Once the gravy is smooth and creamy, return the meatballs to the skillet. Let them simmer in the gravy for about 10 minutes. This allows the meatballs to soak up the delicious flavor.

Serving Meatballs

Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. You can also pair them with lingonberry jam, which adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory meatballs and gravy. If you can’t find lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce works just as well.

For a lighter option, serve the meatballs with roasted vegetables or a side of salad. The creamy gravy pairs well with just about any side dish, so feel free to get creative.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

To make the best Swedish meatballs, don’t overwork the meat mixture. Mixing too much can result in dense, tough meatballs. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until everything is just incorporated. Also, using a combination of beef and pork adds a richer flavor, but you can use just one type if you prefer.

Why Meatballs Are So Popular

Swedish meatballs have become a worldwide favorite because they’re simple to make and full of rich, comforting flavors. The creamy gravy combined with tender meatballs creates a dish that’s hard to resist. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe means you can tweak it to suit your taste or the ingredients you have on hand.

FAQs