When you think of comfort food, Swedish Meatballs Gravy is probably high on your list. Imagine succulent meatballs swimming in a rich, creamy gravy that beckons you to dive right in. The warm aromas wafting through your kitchen will make your stomach growl louder than a hungry bear. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner recipes recipe.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Swedish Meatballs Gravy</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What makes the best Swedish meatballs gravy?
- Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
- What’s a good side dish with Swedish meatballs?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I tasted these delectable meatballs at a family gathering. My aunt’s secret recipe had everyone raving and going back for seconds—okay, maybe thirds. It’s the perfect dish for cozy nights or festive gatherings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Swedish meatballs are surprisingly easy to prepare, making dinner a breeze
- Their rich flavors and creamy texture will leave everyone asking for more
- The visual appeal of these golden-brown meatballs in savory gravy is simply irresistible
- Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, they adapt well to any palate
I still chuckle at the memory of my cousin trying to sneak a meatball while I was serving them—they really are that good!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Use a mix of lean and fatty beef for juicy flavor; about 1 pound should do.
- Breadcrumbs: Fine breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs together; feel free to use whole-wheat for added texture.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and moisture; sauté it briefly before mixing into the meat.
- Eggs: One large egg acts as a binder, ensuring your meatballs hold their shape during cooking.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and depth; don’t skip this essential spice!
- Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness; it’ll enrich the gravy beautifully.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives the gravy its silky texture, but half-and-half can work if you’re watching calories.
- Butter and Flour: You’ll need these for creating a roux that thickens your gravy perfectly.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce deepens the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds an extra layer of umami goodness; just a teaspoon does wonders!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs Gravy
Create the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, beaten egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork it!
Shape the Meatballs: Form small balls about one inch in diameter with your hands. If they’re too big, they might challenge your jaw strength when biting into them.
Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add meatballs in batches. Cook until golden brown on all sides—around 6-8 minutes. The aroma should make you weak at the knees!
Make the Gravy Base: Remove browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, whisk together flour and remaining butter until bubbly; gradually stir in beef broth while scraping up any flavorful bits stuck on the bottom.
Add Cream and Seasonings: Once thickened, reduce heat and stir in cream while adding soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for depth. Taste along the way—this is crucial!
Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Finally, return those golden-brown beauties back into the skillet! Simmer gently for about 10 minutes until heated through. This is where magic happens—the flavors meld beautifully.
Enjoy this comforting meal served with mashed potatoes or noodles for an experience that feels like a warm hug from grandma!
You Must Know
- Swedish meatballs with gravy are comfort food at its finest
- The rich, savory sauce elevates the dish, creating a cozy feeling that warms both heart and belly
- Remember to serve them with lingonberry jam for that authentic touch!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meatballs in a skillet, then make the gravy in the same pan; this ensures fantastic flavor integration.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, and throw in some chopped herbs for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to retain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To enhance your Swedish meatballs gravy, use quality beef stock instead of water for deeper flavor
- Always let the meatballs rest after cooking; this helps retain their juiciness
- Finally, serve them over creamy mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a delightful meal experience
Sharing my first attempt at Swedish meatballs was quite a spectacle; they turned out more like hockey pucks than tender morsels! Friends still joke about it today.
FAQ
What makes the best Swedish meatballs gravy?
The best gravy comes from deglazing the pan where meatballs were cooked, capturing all those delicious bits.
Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, frozen meatballs can work well; just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they’re heated through.
What’s a good side dish with Swedish meatballs?
Serve with mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal experience.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Swedish Meatballs with Gravy, a classic dish that combines juicy meatballs enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Experience the delectable aroma wafting through your kitchen as you create a meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (mix of lean and fatty)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably fine)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp butter (divided)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, beaten egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls about one inch in diameter.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides (about 6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, whisk together remaining butter and flour until bubbly. Gradually stir in beef broth while scraping up bits from the pan.
- Once thickened, reduce heat and stir in cream, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 4 meatballs with gravy (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg