Description
Classic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce feature tender meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork, pan-fried to golden perfection, then simmered in a rich, velvety cream sauce. A comforting dish perfect for family dinners, served best with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound Ground Beef (80-85% lean)
- 1/2 pound Ground Pork
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
For Cooking & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Flour
- 1 cup Beef Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
Instructions
- Combine Meats: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix ground beef and ground pork to create a uniform meat mixture.
- Sauté Onion: Heat butter in a small pan and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent. Remove from heat and allow to cool before adding to the meat mixture to prevent cooking the egg prematurely.
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: Add breadcrumbs and milk to the meat mixture, letting the breadcrumbs soak for a few minutes for moisture retention.
- Season and Bind: Crack the egg into the mixture, then add minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into approximately 1-inch diameter meatballs, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: In a skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, browning them evenly on all sides to develop flavor and texture.
- Make Roux: Remove browned meatballs and set aside. In the same skillet with drippings, add flour and stir continuously to cook the flour, forming a roux to thicken the sauce.
- Add Broth: Gradually whisk in beef broth while scraping the pan bottom to incorporate browned bits and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Incorporate Cream: Reduce heat to low, then slowly stir in heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy sauce base.
- Simmer Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them, and simmer gently for 10 minutes to cook through and meld flavors.
- Final Seasoning & Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving the meatballs hot with the creamy sauce.
Notes
- Using a mix of ground beef and pork enhances the texture and flavor of the meatballs.
- Allowing breadcrumbs to soak in milk prevents dry meatballs.
- Cooking onions separately prevents the egg from cooking prematurely when mixing.
- Simmer the meatballs gently in the sauce to keep them tender and moist.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or lingonberry jam for an authentic Swedish experience.
