Introduction
Swedish meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. With a rich and creamy sauce complemented by tender meatballs, this recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Whether served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, these meatballs are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Meatballs:
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 large egg, whisked
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon pepper
¾ lb. ground beef (80% lean)
½ lb. ground pork
Sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups beef broth
1 cube chicken bouillon
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs:
– Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let cool.
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, whisked egg, milk, salt, oregano, allspice, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
– Add the ground beef and ground pork to the mixture. Incorporate the cooled onion and garlic. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
– Form the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs:
– In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per batch. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
– In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.
– Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the chicken bouillon cube, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and dried parsley. Stir to combine.
– Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
– Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Serve:
– Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, coating them evenly with the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
– Serve the Swedish meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
Flavor Variation:
– For added flavor, consider incorporating additional herbs such as thyme or basil into the meatball mixture.
Serving Suggestions:
– These meatballs pair well with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.
Storage Tips:
– Leftover meatballs and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing Aromatics
Sautéing involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over medium-high heat. In this recipe, diced onions and minced garlic are sautéed until softened, enhancing their flavors and creating a flavorful base for the meatballs.
Mixing Meatball Ingredients
When mixing the ingredients for meatballs, it’s important to combine them gently. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Use your hands or a fork to fold the ingredients until just combined, preserving the meat’s texture.
Forming Meatballs
Use your hands to shape the meat mixture into balls approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Lightly roll them to ensure they are uniform in size, which will help them cook evenly.
Brown and Cook Meatballs
Cooking meatballs in batches is crucial to ensure even browning and cooking. This technique allows for better heat distribution and prevents overcrowding in the skillet, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Making a Roux
A roux is a mixture of fat and flour cooked together to thicken sauces. In this recipe, butter and flour are whisked together until light golden color, forming the base for a creamy sauce.
Deglazing the Pan
After cooking the meatballs, use the same skillet to create the sauce. The browned bits left in the pan add flavor when you whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no flavor is wasted.
Simmering the Sauce
Allowing the sauce to simmer gently helps thicken it and develop flavors. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling, which can alter the texture of the sauce.
Incorporating Sour Cream
Stirring in sour cream at a low temperature ensures a smooth and creamy texture without curdling. It adds richness and tang to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
FAQ
Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even a combination of your favorite ground meats for the beef and pork.
What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, but the texture may vary slightly.
How do I store leftover meatballs and sauce?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead. Refrigerate them before cooking, and they will save time when you’re ready to cook.
What can I serve with Swedish meatballs?
Swedish meatballs are traditionally served over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. You can also serve them with rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
The meatballs, infused with aromatic spices and complemented by a creamy sauce, provide a comforting and delightful meal. The combination of ground beef and pork ensures a rich flavor profile, while the tangy sour cream finishes the dish beautifully. Whether served over hearty egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Italian-Style Meatballs
Substitute the ground beef and pork with Italian sausage and add chopped fresh basil, and serve with marinara sauce over spaghetti.
Asian-Inspired Meatballs
Incorporate minced ginger and green onions into the meatball mix, and serve with a sesame soy sauce glaze over jasmine rice.
BBQ Meatballs
Add barbecue sauce to the meatballs and bake them instead of pan-frying; serve with coleslaw and baked beans for a BBQ feast.
Meatball Subs
Layer cooked meatballs with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese in a hoagie roll, then toast until the cheese is bubbly for a delicious sandwich.
Vegetable Stir-Fried Meatballs
Serve meatballs with stir-fried vegetables and a sweet and sour sauce over rice or noodles for a colorful and balanced meal.
