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Swedish Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs recipe image
These classic Swedish meatballs are a timeless comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday gatherings. Made with a blend of ground beef and veal, they are seasoned with aromatic nutmeg, paprika, and onion for deep, savory flavor. The meatballs are pan-fried to golden perfection before being simmered in a luxurious gravy made with butter, flour, broth, and sour cream. The result is tender, juicy meatballs coated in a silky, slightly tangy sauce. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Calories: 1202.3
Description
These classic Swedish meatballs are a timeless comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday gatherings. Made with a blend of ground beef and veal, they are seasoned with aromatic nutmeg, paprika, and onion for deep, savory flavor. The meatballs are pan-fried to golden perfection before being simmered in a luxurious gravy made with butter, flour, broth, and sour cream. The result is tender, juicy meatballs coated in a silky, slightly tangy sauce. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
  • Soft bread crumbs
  • Milk
  • Minced onion
  • Butter
  • Ground beef or veal
  • Eggs, slightly beaten
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Nutmeg
  • Paprika
  • Concentrated meat extract
  • Flour
  • Water
  • Sour cream
  • Minced parsley
Directions
  1. 1
    Soak the soft bread crumbs in milk until they are completely softened and have absorbed the liquid.
  2. 2
    Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat; add the minced onion and cook gently for 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. 3
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened bread crumb mixture, the cooked onion, and the ground beef or veal.
  4. 4
    Add the beaten eggs, salt, pepper, nutmeg, paprika, and concentrated meat extract to the meat mixture.
  5. 5
    Mix the ingredients thoroughly by hand or with a spoon until the mixture is very smooth, uniform, and light in texture.
  6. 6
    Dust your hands lightly with flour to prevent sticking, then shape the meat mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
  7. 7
    Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
  8. 8
    Add the meatballs to the pan in batches if necessary, and fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides.
  9. 9
    Remove the browned meatballs from the pan and set aside on a plate.
  10. 10
    In the same pan, add the concentrated meat extract (if not already added to meat) and the 3 teaspoons of flour; stir well to create a roux and cook for 1 minute.
  11. 11
    Gradually whisk in the water and a few grains of pepper, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  12. 12
    Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a gravy consistency.
  13. 13
    Reduce the heat to very low and let the gravy simmer gently for 5 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
  14. 14
    Stir in the sour cream, adding a rounded tablespoon at a time and stirring thoroughly until each addition is fully blended before adding the next, to prevent curdling.
  15. 15
    Return the cooked meatballs to the pan with the gravy, cover the pan, and simmer very gently for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  16. 16
    Transfer the meatballs and gravy to a deep serving dish or casserole.
  17. 17
    Sprinkle with minced parsley just before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1202.3kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 54.7g85%
Saturated Fat 23.6g119%
Cholesterol 455.9mg152%
Sodium 1850.0mg78%
Total Carbohydrate 104.0g35%
Dietary Fiber 9.9g40%
Sugars 7.7g
Protein 72.1g145%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: swedish, meatballs, gravy, scandinavian, beef, veal, nutmeg, sour cream, comfort food, dinner, christmas, traditional, pan-fried, simmered, family style, hearty, main course, easy, classic, homemade
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/swedish-meatballs/