The Best Swedish Meatballs - The Recipe Critic (2024)

These Swedish Meatballs are smothered in the most amazing rich and creamy gravy and packed with such delicious flavor. You will quickly agree these are the BEST you have ever had!

Serve these scrumptious meatballs over buttered noodles or rice with a Caesar Salad, and these Perfectly Soft Buttery Rolls for a dinner the whole family will love!

Swedish Meatball Ingredients

These meatballs have so much flavor and are easy to make! Don’t let this long list intimidate you. I bet you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

What’s in Swedish Meatballs?

• Ground beef: The main protein base for the meatballs, providing flavor and texture.
• Panko bread crumbs: Adds lightness and helps bind the meatballs together.
• Parsley: I use fresh parsley to enhance the taste.
• Ground allspice: Introduces a warm, slightly sweet flavor.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty, warm flavor that complements the beef.
• Onion: This surprisingly adds a slight sweetness to the meatballs.
• Garlic powder: You can’t go wrong with garlic!
• Pepper: This adds in some mild heat.
• Salt: The salt enhances all of the flavors of the ingredients in the Swedish meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
• Olive oil: Used for cooking the meatballs, adding flavor and helps the meatballs to brown.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps in browning the meatballs.

What is Swedish Meatball Sauce Made of?

• Butter: Forms the base of the sauce, providing richness.
• Flour: Combined with butter to create a roux, the flours helps thicken the sauce.
• Beef broth: Adds depth of flavor and forms the liquid base of the sauce.
• Heavy cream: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, savory depth to the sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Introduces a slight tang to the sauce without being overwhelming.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors of the sauce.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs

These will come together quick and cook in about 30 min total, so dinner is fast and easy!

1. Combine beef, egg and seasonings: In a medium sized bowl combine ground beef, panko, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt and egg. Mix until combined.
2. Roll and cook: Roll into 12 large meatballs or 20 small meatballs. In a large skillet heat olive oil and 1 Tablespoon butter. Add the meatballs and cook turning continuously until brown on each side and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil.
3. Make the sauce: Add 4 Tablespoons butter and flour to skillet and whisk until it turns brown. Slowly stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Add worchestershire sauce and dijon mustard and bring to a simmer until sauce starts to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add meatballs and simmer: Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Serve over egg noodles or rice.