Juicy pork and beef meatballs cooked to perfection, coated in a creamy, flavorful gravy made with butter, beef broth, and a hint of allspice and nutmeg. This one-pan recipe is pure comfort food — ready in just 40 minutes and perfect with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.
Introduction
Easy Swedish Meatballs bring together all the heartwarming flavors of home-cooked comfort in one skillet. Each meatball is tender, juicy, and full of flavor — gently spiced, browned perfectly, then simmered in a rich, golden-cream gravy that’s smooth and luxurious. It’s weeknight dinner simplicity with restaurant-level taste.
The secret to great Swedish meatballs lies in their balance: a mix of beef and pork for richness, breadcrumbs soaked in milk for softness, and just enough spice for warmth. The creamy sauce ties it all together, making each spoonful melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
This is your all-seasons meal — cozy enough for winter nights, light enough for Sunday brunch, and elegant enough for holidays.
Why You’ll Love It
Quick & Easy: Ready in around 40 minutes, made in one pan.
Perfectly Tender: Milk-soaked breadcrumbs make the meatballs soft and juicy.
Creamy Gravy: Balanced with Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, and cream.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients turn into gourmet comfort.
Freezer-Ready: Meal-prep friendly and reheats beautifully.
What Makes Swedish Meatballs Special
While Italian or American meatballs lean tomato-heavy, Swedish meatballs celebrate cream and comfort. The warm hint of allspice and nutmeg gives them their signature Scandinavian flavor, and the creamy gravy (instead of marinara) makes them rich, silky, and deeply satisfying. The browned butter base and flavorful drippings transform everyday ingredients into magic.
Essential Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 lb ground pork
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Gravy
- 4 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup flour
- 3 cups beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Meatballs
Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl; let the mixture sit 5 minutes to soften. Add grated onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly with a fork. Add ground pork and beef, gently mixing until just combined.
Form 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Step 2 – Brown the Meatballs
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and keep warm.
Step 3 – Make the Creamy Gravy
Reduce heat to medium. Melt remaining butter in the same skillet and whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in beef broth until smooth. Stir in Worcestershire and Dijon, simmering until thickened.
Step 4 – Combine and Simmer
Return meatballs to the skillet, cover, and cook for 10 minutes until tender. Stir in heavy cream, remove from heat, and mix in sour cream for the silkiest finish. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh ground beef and pork — the fat keeps texture tender.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture; it’ll become dense.
- Add broth slowly when making the gravy to avoid lumps.
- Let the meatballs rest before serving — gravy thickens perfectly.
- For extra creaminess, finish with a spoonful of sour cream off heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic mashed potatoes
- Buttered egg noodles
- Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
- Roasted vegetables or green beans
- Lingonberry jam (for authentic Swedish pairing)
Variations and Customizations
- Turkey Version: Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Extra Creamy: Add ¼ cup more cream for richer sauce.
- Spicy Twist: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat.
- Vegetarian: Try plant-based “meat” and vegetable stock instead.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of browned butter, pan drippings, and spices builds unmatched flavor. Milk creates tenderness, sour cream brings silky texture, and the blend of allspice and nutmeg delivers that authentic warmth unique to Swedish cooking. Each component plays a role in the perfect bite — rich, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Storage & Reheating
To Store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in airtight containers.
To Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
To Freeze: Store cooked meatballs (without sour cream added) up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently before finishing sauce.
Perfect Pairings
White wine like Chardonnay or Riesling complements creamy sauces beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or homemade lingonberry spritzers work wonders.
Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 34 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 1 g
Conclusion
Easy Swedish Meatballs (Creamy Gravy) prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary comfort. Juicy, tender, flavorful, and coated in a creamy, dreamy gravy, they make every bite pure joy. Whether served over noodles, rice, or potatoes, this timeless dish brings cozy satisfaction to every meal.
