Swedish Meatballs
Swedish Meatballs
Serve these homemade Swedish meatballs over buttery egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for the ultimate comfort food dinner.
These Swedish meatballs are tender, juicy, and simmered in a rich creamy gravy that is packed with savory flavor. Made completely from scratch on the stovetop, the homemade meatballs are browned in a skillet and finished in a silky cream sauce made with beef broth, butter, and seasonings.
Unlike Italian-style meatballs, Swedish meatballs are all about the creamy sauce. The gravy is rich, smooth, and comforting, coating every bite of the tender meatballs. It’s a classic comfort food recipe that feels cozy, hearty, and completely homemade.
Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a special family meal, these Swedish meatballs are always a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender homemade meatballs
- Rich creamy gravy
- Easy stovetop recipe
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Perfect over noodles or potatoes
- Better than store-bought versions
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Swedish Meatball Gravy
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl combine:
- ground beef
- breadcrumbs
- egg
- milk
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- garlic salt
- black pepper
- Worcestershire sauce
Mix gently until combined.
Roll into meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.
The meatballs do not need to be fully cooked through at this point.
Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Gravy
Reduce heat to medium.
Melt butter in the same skillet.
Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in beef broth until smooth.
Add:
- Worcestershire sauce
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- black pepper
Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the Cream
Whisk in sour cream.
Continue simmering until gravy begins to thicken.
5. Finish Cooking
Return meatballs to the skillet.
Spoon gravy over the meatballs.
Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
6. Serve
Serve warm over:
- egg noodles
- mashed potatoes
- rice
Garnish with fresh parsley.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Tips for the Best Swedish Meatballs
Don’t Overmix
Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
Brown First
Browning adds incredible flavor to both the meatballs and the gravy.
Use Heavy Cream
Heavy cream creates the richest, silkiest sauce.
Simmer Gently
Slow simmering keeps the meatballs tender.
Variations
Extra Creamy Version
Add an extra 1/2 cup heavy cream.
Mushroom Swedish Meatballs
Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy.
Turkey Swedish Meatballs
Substitute ground turkey for beef.
Garlic Lovers Version
Add extra minced garlic to the gravy.
Jennie’s Thoughts
Swedish meatballs are one of those recipes that always feels like comfort food in the best possible way. The homemade meatballs stay juicy while the creamy gravy becomes rich, silky, and absolutely perfect spooned over noodles or mashed potatoes.
This is the kind of dinner that feels cozy enough for a cold winter night but easy enough to make any day of the week. The gravy is honestly so good you’ll want extra bread nearby to soak up every last bit.
What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
- Buttered egg noodles
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice
- Roasted carrots
- Green beans
- Dinner rolls
- Side salad
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on the stovetop
- Freeze meatballs and gravy up to 2 months
These homemade Swedish meatballs are tender, flavorful, and smothered in a rich creamy gravy for the ultimate comfort food dinner. Easy to make on the stovetop and packed with cozy homemade flavor, they’re perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
