If you want to impress your family and friends with a delicious and flavorful dish, look no further than these easy Swedish meatballs. This classic Scandinavian dish is known for its tender and juicy meatballs, smothered in a rich and creamy gravy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to enjoy a comforting meal at home, these Swedish meatballs are sure to be a hit.
What sets Swedish meatballs apart from other meatball recipes is the unique blend of spices and seasonings. These meatballs are typically seasoned with a combination of ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and a variety of herbs and spices, such as allspice and nutmeg. This creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is both savory and slightly sweet.
The meatballs are then pan-fried to a golden brown perfection, giving them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Once the meatballs are cooked, they are simmered in a creamy gravy made from a roux of butter, flour, and beef broth. This velvety sauce adds another layer of flavor and richness to the dish, making it a truly indulgent and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
To make easy Swedish meatballs, you will need the following ingredients:
- Ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and pork
- Minced onion
- Breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Egg
- Salt and pepper
- Ground allspice
- Ground nutmeg
- Butter or oil for frying
Ground beef or a mixture of ground beef and pork is the base ingredient for Swedish meatballs. The combination of these meats adds flavor and moisture to the meatballs.
Minced onion is another essential ingredient that enhances the taste of the meatballs. It provides a subtle onion flavor that complements the meat.
Breadcrumbs are used to bind the meat together and help retain moisture. They also add texture to the meatballs.
To ensure a tender and moist texture, milk is added to the meat mixture. It helps keep the meatballs from becoming too dry.
Egg is a binding agent that helps hold the meatballs together and prevent them from falling apart during cooking.
The seasonings used in Swedish meatballs include salt and pepper, which enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Ground allspice and ground nutmeg provide the distinctive Swedish flavor and aroma.
The meatballs are typically cooked by either frying them in butter or oil. This method adds a rich and buttery flavor to the meatballs and helps them develop a slightly crispy exterior.
Instructions
To make Swedish Meatballs, follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, minced onion, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 2: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a plate or tray and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, place the meatballs in the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the flour and whisk it into the remaining butter to create a roux.
- Step 5: Slowly pour in the beef broth and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens. Add the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for about 10-15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Step 7: Serve the Swedish Meatballs hot with lingonberry jam, mashed potatoes, and a garnish of fresh parsley. Enjoy!
