Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Swedish meatballs are a culinary delight that can bring warmth and comfort to any meal.
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Servings: 33
Calories: 81kcal
Equipment
- 3-quart high walled skillet
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture:
- ½ cup yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil split into two portions
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¾ lb. ground beef 80% lean
- ½ lb. ground pork
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1 chicken bouillon cube crushed
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ½ cup sour cream softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
- Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. This process will take about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mix the sautéed onion and garlic with the ground beef and pork. Add the thyme, egg, milk, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices. Use your hands to gently combine everything. Be careful not to overmix; this will keep your meatballs tender.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
- Now it’s time to form the meatballs. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should end up with about 20-25 meatballs.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
- Heat the remaining olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Brown the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes, making sure to turn them often. They should have a nice golden color on all sides.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute until it turns golden brown. Gradually add the beef stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the crushed bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and parsley. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens.
Step 6: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Once your sauce has thickened, lower the heat and add the sour cream. Stir to combine. Then gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet, coating them in the sauce. Let them simmer for about 5-7 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- You’re almost there! Serve those delicious Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Drizzle some extra sauce on top, and if you have it, add a spoonful of lingonberry sauce to the plate for that perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality meat can make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the meat mixture, mix just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Chill the Mixture: If you have time, chilling the meat mixture for about an hour can help the flavors meld.
- Cook in Batches: Browning the meatballs in batches ensures they cook evenly and prevents steaming.
- Taste Test: Always cook a small meatball to check the seasoning before forming the rest.