Introduction
Swedish meatballs are a beloved dish known for their rich flavors and comforting textures. This delightful recipe boasts a blend of ground beef and pork, enhanced by aromatic spices and served in a creamy gravy. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a special gathering, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Meatballs:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 pound ground pork
– 4 slices white bread, crusts removed
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon ground allspice
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Gravy:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1½ cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– ½ teaspoon ground allspice
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6 people
To bring out the best in your Swedish meatballs, follow these steps carefully. Enjoy the process of mixing and forming the meatballs, and savor the savory gravy that beautifully complements the dish. Serve with your choice of sides, and don’t forget to add a touch of freshness with a sprinkle of parsley!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Bread Mixture
Tear the white bread into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Pour the heavy cream over the bread and let it soak until the bread absorbs the cream and becomes soft.
Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the soaked bread mixture, egg, melted butter, kosher salt, black pepper, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a golden-brown exterior.
Prepare the Gravy
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the beef broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the gravy thickens.
Add Cream and Season
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season the gravy with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Meatballs and Gravy
Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Gently stir to coat the meatballs evenly with the gravy. Let them simmer in the gravy for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve
Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They pair well with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or lingonberry sauce.
Notes
Meat Options
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of meats or try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious when served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the gravy.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the cooked meatballs in the gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Cook techniques
Soaking Bread
Tear white bread into small pieces and soak in heavy cream. This technique helps create a moist texture for the meatballs.
Mixing Ingredients
Combine ground meats with the soaked bread mixture, egg, and seasonings. Ensure thorough mixing to achieve an even distribution of flavors.
Forming Meatballs
Shape the mixture into uniform balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Uniform size ensures even cooking.
Baking
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes. Baking allows the meatballs to develop a golden-brown exterior while remaining juicy inside.
Making Gravy
Melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add beef broth while whisking to avoid lumps, creating a smooth gravy base.
Thickening the Gravy
Bring the gravy to a simmer and let it cook until thickened. This enhances the texture and depth of flavor.
Incorporating Cream
Stir in heavy cream after the gravy has thickened. This adds richness and smoothness to the final sauce.
Coating Meatballs
Gently stir baked meatballs into the gravy and let them simmer. This allows the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Serving
Serve the meatballs hot, garnished if desired. Pairing with sides like mashed potatoes or egg noodles enhances the meal experience.
FAQ
Can I use only ground beef for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork with more ground beef, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative, but the consistency and richness will vary.
How do I know when meatballs are fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). They should also be golden brown on the outside.
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate them. Reheat in the oven or skillet with gravy before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
These Swedish meatballs, made with a delightful combination of ground beef and pork, are perfectly elevated by a rich and creamy gravy infused with warm spices. This dish is not only satisfying and comforting but also versatile, allowing for various pairings that enhance the overall meal experience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Classic Mashed Potatoes
A creamy and buttery side that complements the meatballs beautifully, providing a smooth texture.
Egg Noodles with Butter
Simple, tender egg noodles tossed in butter make a great base for soaking up the savory gravy.
Lingonberry Sauce
This sweet and tart sauce adds a delightful contrast to the rich meatballs, enhancing their flavor profile.
Roasted Vegetables
A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables brings color and nutrition to the table, balancing the richness of the meatballs.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
A rich, creamy risotto with earthy mushrooms can complement the meatballs and soak up the delicious gravy.
Green Bean Almondine
Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds offer a crunchy and fresh side that lightens up the meal.
Sweet Potato Mash
For a healthier alternative, sweet potato mash provides a naturally sweet flavor that pairs well with the spices in the meatballs.
Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the gravy and adds an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
