Quick and Easy Swedish Meatballs
This quick and easy Swedish meatball recipe is a delicious 30-minute meal for busy weekdays. Tender meatballs paired with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch, snack, or cosy family dinner. Simple ingredients you can easily find at your nearby store.
If you love Swedish meatballs, you’re in for a treat! This recipe is hands-down the best you’ll ever try, and yes, it’s even better than the famous Ikea recipe. Perfectly seasoned and incredibly flavorful, these balls of meat are tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich, creamy gravy. They’re easy to make and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
I especially enjoy quick and easy recipes that can be paired differently each time. This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, Turkish bulgur, pasta, mashed or baked potatoes, a slice of freshly baked bread, or on its own with a piece of homemade tortilla.
This Swedish dish is ideal for a fast meal on busy days. Whether served as a main course or a snack, it’s bound to leave everyone wanting more. You should also try our Lemon Chicken, Easy 15-minute Udon Noodles, Turkey Mince Noodles, or Gnocchi made easy with Pesto and Zucchini for a quick delicious lunch or dinner.
Looking for more? Check out these Dinner Recipes!
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Swedish recipe is a go-to recipe for busy nights. They’re quick, easy, and made with basic ingredients. The creamy sauce takes this family favorite to the next level.
This dish works with just about any side you like, making it super versatile. Plus, since it’s homemade, you’ll know exactly what’s in it—a healthier choice for everyone at the table.
Kids love it, and it’s low in calories, so it’s a win-win! You can even make it ahead, store it, and reheat when needed. Perfect for meal prepping or planning ahead.
Ingredients
For Meatballs
- Beef mince meat: This is the primary ingredient for the meatballs, providing the base protein. Choose ground beef with some fat content (about 80-85%) to ensure the meatballs are juicy and flavorful.
Sauce
Substitutions
For the meatballs:
- Ground beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork in equal amounts can be used as alternatives.
- Onion, finely chopped: Shallots or leeks are also good.
- Eggs: A flaxseed or chia seed egg can be substituted for a vegan option.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Garlic: You can use powder or granules instead or frozen chopped garlic.
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro, basil, or thyme can also be used.
For the sauce:
- Butter: Olive oil or vegetable oil can be substituted.
- Flour: All-purpose or gluten-free flour or cornstarch can be used.
- Beef stock: Gravy granules can be used instead.
Step-by-step instructions
Start by getting everything ready for your Swedish recipe. Chop the onion, measure out the breadcrumbs, and mix the spices. Have the ground meat, eggs, and flour set to go, and don’t forget to warm up some water.
Having everything prepped ahead makes the process smooth and stress-free. A few extra minutes of prep now will save you time later!
- Prepare the ingredients: Fill a deep pot with water and bring it to a boil. While waiting, mix the following in a large bowl: beef mince, chopped onion, eggs, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, parsley or dill, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. If the mixture feels stiff, add a splash of water to soften it. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Gently drop the meatballs into the pot. Cook until they float, then leave them for an extra 5 minutes to stay tender.
- Brown the meatballs: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5 minutes per batch until browned on all sides and cooked through. Set aside when done.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, crumble beef stock cubes and stir until dissolved. Add flour and stir constantly to make a smooth roux. Cook for about a minute until lightly brown. Gradually add hot water while stirring. Bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and serve: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, coating them well in the sauce. Let them simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Serve with mashed potatoes, peas, and cranberry or lingonberry jam. Add fresh dill or parsley on top for a finishing touch!
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for any day—your family and friends will love it!
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Serving sugestions
- Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes are the traditional choice. They’re perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Lingonberry Jam – A dollop of this slightly tart jam adds a bright contrast to the savory meatballs.
- Egg Noodles – Serve over buttery egg noodles for a comforting dish.
- Rice – Steamed white or brown rice makes a neutral base that pairs well with the sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables – Green beans, carrots, or broccoli add a pop of color and a healthy balance.
- Simple Salad – A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness to the meal.
- Crusty Bread – Use crusty bread to scoop up every bit of the creamy sauce.
- Dinner Rolls – Soft rolls on the side are perfect for a complete dinner spread.
- Zoodles (Zucchini Noodles) – For a lighter, gluten-free option, serve the meatballs over zucchini noodles.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – Add a sweet, earthy flavor by serving alongside baked or mashed sweet potatoes.
- Polenta – offering a creamy and comforting base that complements the richness of the meatballs.
- Bulgur – This is a great option if you’re looking for something lighter but still filling.
Expert Tips
- Choose the Right Meat:
- Beef: Go for ground beef with 80-85% fat for the juiciest, most flavorful meatballs.
- Lighter Options: Mix in or use ground turkey or chicken for a healthier twist.
- Brown properly: Use a hot skillet to brown the meatballs evenly on all sides for that caramelized taste and to seal in moisture. Don’t crowd the pan!
- Simmer in the Sauce: After browning, let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes. This step melds the flavours and ensures meatballs are tender and fully cooked, soaking up all the sauce’s goodness.ce.
Storage and Leftovers
- Storage: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat meatballs in a skillet with butter or oil over low heat or in the microwave at 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating from Frozen: Bake frozen meatballs in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- Leftover Ideas: Serve them over pasta or mashed potatoes, in a sandwich, in soups or stews, or cold in salads or wraps.
FAQs
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Swedish Meatballs
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling meatballs)
- Large mixing bowl (to combine meatball ingredients)
- Large skillet (for browning meatballs and making the sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring and mixing)
- Tongs or fork (for turning the meatballs while browning)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for precise ingredient measurements)
- Whisk (to avoid lumps when making the roux)
- Slotted spoon (for removing meatballs from water)
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 1.1 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 5 garlic cloves grated or minced
- Parsley and dill chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 3.5 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour or cornstarch
- 2 beef stock cubes
- 2 cups hot water
Instructions
- Start by filling a deep pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- While the water heats up, grab a large bowl and combine the following ingredients: beef mince, chopped onion, eggs, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley or dill, salt and pepper.1.1 lbs ground beef, 1 large onion, 2 eggs, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 beef stock cubes, 5 garlic cloves, Parsley and dill
- Mix everything until well combined. Once ready, shape the mixture into meatballs, aiming for about 1 inch in diameter.
- When the water in the pot is boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and gently drop the meatballs in. Cook them until they float to the surface, then leave them for an extra 5 minutes to keep them soft and tender.
- In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through—about 5 minutes per batch. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.3.5 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp flour or cornstarch, 2 cups hot water
- Using the same skillet, crumble beef stock into the pan, stirring until dissolved. Add flour and stir constantly to make a smooth roux. Let it cook for about a minute until the flour turns lightly brown. Gradually pour hot water into the roux, stirring the entire time to keep it smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce thickens, around 5 minutes.
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, making sure they’re well-coated in the sauce. Lower the heat and let them simmer for another 5 minutes so the flavors can blend.
- Serve these Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, peas, and a spoonful of cranberry or lingonberry jam. Top with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley, or leave them plain—your choice.
- These Swedish meatballs are sure to be a hit with family or friends—enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Use ground beef with 80-85% fat for juicy meatballs.
- Chop onions finely for added sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture; handle it gently.
- Brown meatballs before simmering to seal in flavor.
- Serve with lingonberry jam for a traditional touch.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty meal.
Nutrition
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So easy and flavorful. My family loved this recipe and will be adding it to our weeknight dinner rotation!
Such a classic dinner dish that my family loves. They finish their plates every time I make it and I love that it’s so easy to meal prep. Great recipe!
Swedish meatballs are always a hit with the family. Perfect for an easy weeknight meal. Great for batch cooking and putting some in the freezer for later.
These meatballs were so quick and delicious! The whole family loved them. Perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Yours are even better than IKEA’s!! My family asked me to make them again ASAP!! They’re delicious.
Swedish meatballs are something I can’t resist!
I love that this recipe of yours is well explained, can be prepared in a short time, and with simple and natural ingredients.
The video of the recipe makes my mouth water… Thanks for sharing
I love Swedish meatballs, these turned out absolutely delicious, will be making again next week.