Cozy Classic Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Gravy

There’s just something about Swedish meatballs that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a silky-smooth, rich brown gravy make this a comfort food classic that’s always a hit with both kids and adults. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s the perfect recipe to bring everyone to the table especially on those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying. This version is super simple, family-tested, and totally delicious!

Why You’ll Love These Meatballs

This dish checks all the boxes: comforting, creamy, savory, and kid-approved. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, while the gravy brings everything together in the most delicious way. It’s easy to make ahead, freezer-friendly, and totally crave-worthy. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests!

Simple Ingredients

This dish is made with pantry staples and a few fresh items for rich flavor and texture.

• Ground Beef & Pork: Using a mix gives the meatballs the perfect tender bite and juicy flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind everything and keeps the meatballs moist.
• Onion & Garlic: Adds savory depth to the meat mixture.
• Egg: Essential for binding the meatball ingredients together.
• Milk: Softens the breadcrumbs and adds moisture.
• Butter & Flour: Create the base for the roux in the gravy.
• Beef Broth: Builds a rich, savory flavor in the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and that signature Swedish meatball flavor.
• Allspice & Nutmeg: A touch of warm spice gives this dish its authentic taste.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to round it all out.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional for garnish, but it adds a nice touch of color.

Servings, Prep & Cook Time

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

What is Needed

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, optional

Instructions

1. Make the Meatball Mixture
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined.
2. Form the Meatballs
   Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking tray.
3. Cook the Meatballs
   In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Make the Gravy
   In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until thickened.
5. Finish the Sauce
   Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Combine and Serve
   Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for 5 more minutes. Serve warm with parsley.

Top Tips

• Don’t overmix your meatball mixture just enough to combine so they stay tender.
• Sear meatballs in batches if needed so they brown properly.
• Let the gravy simmer a bit before adding the meatballs for maximum flavor.
• Make it kid-approved by serving with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
• Add lingonberry jam for a traditional sweet-tart Swedish touch.

Recipe Variations

• Swap out ground pork for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for a flavor boost.
• Make mini meatballs for little hands or party appetizers.

Recommended Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk
• Large skillet
• Baking tray
• Wooden spoon

Make Ahead Tips

Form and refrigerate meatballs up to 24 hours in advance, or freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Gravy can be made and reheated separately.

How to Store and Reheat

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Egg noodles
• Steamed green beans
• Lingonberry jam
• Crusty dinner rolls

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, are a beloved traditional dish from Sweden, often served at holiday tables and famously offered at IKEA stores worldwide. What sets them apart is the creamy gravy and warm spice profile from nutmeg and allspice. This recipe brings all those classic flavors into your own kitchen with easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps.

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Swedish Meatballs in Gravy

Michelle

These homemade Swedish meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. A cozy meal the whole family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Servings 4

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Large skillet
• Baking tray
• Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 small yellow onion finely diced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley optional

Instructions

 

• Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, diced onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until just combined.
• Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking tray.
• Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt remaining 1 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer until thickened.
• Finish the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Combine and Serve: Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the gravy for 5 more minutes. Serve warm with parsley.

Notes

• Adjust spices to taste for picky eaters.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for a future meal.

Keyword Swedish Meatballs

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