The easiest recipe for flavor-packed Swedish Meatballs that taste better than IKEA’s. Juicy seasoned meatballs in a creamy gravy sauce.

Swedish meatballs in a creamy gravy in white skillet topped with fresh greens.

Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe-

Classic recipe for homemade Swedish Meatballs. The meatballs are seasoned with allspice and nutmeg that give the dish its distinct flavor. The meatballs are sauteed then smothered in the most delicious rich gravy sauce.

Kids love the meatballs just as much as adults do, what’s not to love about meatballs?

Juicy and tender meatballs in a creamy sauce topped with fresh chopped greens.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs:

This recipe comes together rather quickly once you have all of your ingredients prepped and measured.

Prepare Meatballs:

  • In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef and pork. Using the star side of a box grater, grate the onion into the meat. In a separate bowl, combine the panko crumbs and milk, add to meat.
  • Add the remaining meatball ingredients and mix well. Shape into uniform 1″ balls.
  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat and cook the meatballs for 6-7 minutes, turning halfway. Cook until golden brown and cooked through. We recommend cooking in 2-3 bathes, depending on the size of your skillet.
  • Remove meatballs from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
Step by step collage on how to to make homemade Swedish meatballs.

Prepare Gravy Sauce:

  • In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Quickly whisk in the flour and cook until golden brown.
  • Pour in the broth, cream, Dijon, salt, and pepper to taste and stir to combine. Bring the gravy sauce to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring as needed.
  • Return the meatballs back to the skillet and coat in the sauce. Cook until meatballs are reheated.
Serve the meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles or even rice for a complete meal.

Can I bake the meatballs?

Yes, the meatballs may be baked. Line the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

Bake meatballs at 400°F, 12-15 minutes (or until cooked through), and an instant-read thermometer registers at 165°F in the center of the meatball.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze the meatballs.

Once the meatballs are cooked and cooled, arrange them on a platter and freeze. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer bag. Then, just thaw overnight and continue with the recipe.

Swedish meatballs in a white skillet topped with chopped greens.

Other Recipes with Meatballs:

  • Easy Meatball Recipe- in a homemade sauce.
  • Meatball and Rice Soup- perfect for fall weather.
  • Meatball Noodle Soup- loved by kids.
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs- Italian classic.

Swedish Meatballs Recipe (The Best Gravy)

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5 from 5 votes
A classic swedish meatball recipe made with juicy pork and beef meatballs, cooked in a simple gravy. These meatballs are hearty and flavorful, making them the perfect comfort meal. Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, and even rice. However you choose to enjoy these Swedish meatballs, you’re sure to want more.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

meatballs –

  • 1/3 cup panko crumbs
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 small onion finely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil cooking oil or as needed

gravy sauce –

  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups regular beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the panko crumbs and milk.
  • Add the remaining meatball ingredients to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
  • Wet your hands and shape the meat mixture into 24 evenly sized meatballs.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil.
  • Once sizzling, add the meatballs in batches and fry on all sides until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the meatballs. Add more oil in between batches if needed.
  • Once the meatballs are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and cover to keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook until golden, whisking consistently.
  • Slowly whisk in the broth, heavy whipping cream, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  • Bring the sauce up to a light simmer and cook until it reaches your desired thickness.
  • Place the meatballs back into the skillet and cook until warmed through.
  • Garnish the meatballs with fresh herbs and serve over mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Brown the meatballs well: Searing them until golden creates rich flavor and the best texture.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if needed so the meatballs sear properly rather than steam.
  • Simmer the sauce gently: Let it reach a light simmer for the perfect consistency—avoid boiling.
  • Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days once cooled.
  • Reheat: Heat leftovers in a skillet until the meatballs are fully warmed through.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooled meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in a pan, adding a splash of liquid if needed.

Nutrition

454kcal Calories8g Carbs25g Protein35g Fat17g Saturated Fat2g Polyunsaturated Fat13g Monounsaturated Fat0.4g Trans Fat146mg Cholesterol594mg Sodium490mg Potassium0.5g Fiber2g Sugar660IU Vitamin A2mg Vitamin C63mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Swedish Meatballs Recipe (The Best Gravy)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 454 Calories from Fat 315
% Daily Value*
Fat 35g54%
Saturated Fat 17g106%
Trans Fat 0.4g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 13g
Cholesterol 146mg49%
Sodium 594mg26%
Potassium 490mg14%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 0.5g2%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 660IU13%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 63mg6%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)

NOTE:  This recipe was developed by Valentina’s Corner and first published on Natasha’s Kitchen.