### Simple Swedish Meatballs: A Warm Family Favorite
Simple Swedish meatballs are one of those dishes I prepare when I crave something comforting that everyone will enjoy. Succulent meatballs, whether homemade or store-bought, are cooked in a luscious gravy in a single pan. A nod to the classic Ikea delight, we find this homemade version even more satisfying. It pairs wonderfully with egg noodles or mashed potatoes for an ideal family meal.
#### Why These Swedish Meatballs Are Great
These Swedish meatballs are a go-to recipe for nights when I want to simplify dinner!
– **Utilizes common ingredients**: You can tweak the spices or salt amounts.
– **Utilize frozen or homemade meatballs**: Searing homemade meatballs helps them stay intact and enhances flavor.
– **A rich, savory sauce**: It’s simple to prepare.
– **One pan dinner**: Eases the cleanup process.
#### Ingredient Tips For Swedish Meatballs
– **Meat**: Opt for a mix of ground beef and pork or just ground beef. Lean beef guarantees the meatballs remain tender without excessive grease.
– **Binders**: Breadcrumbs and egg keep the meatballs together and ensure they stay soft. Any kind of breadcrumbs will do.
– **Spices**: Warm spices like nutmeg and allspice impart a classic taste to the meatballs.
– **Beef stock**: Beef stock provides a deeper flavor than broth. If broth is used, include a beef bouillon cube for more richness.
– **Soy sauce**: While it may appear unusual, it’s frequently included in authentic Swedish meatball recipes. It contributes both saltiness and richness to the sauce.
#### Preparation Tips
– **Opt for Frozen**: Replace homemade meatballs with 24 ounces of frozen, pre-cooked meatballs.
– **Enhance flavor**: Sauté diced onion or mushrooms in a bit of butter before browning the meatballs.
– **Prepare in advance**: Create a large batch or two of homemade meatballs. They can be cooked before or after freezing. Simply simmer them in the Swedish meatball sauce for a quick weeknight meal.
– **Make it slightly lighter**: Substitute heavy cream with ½ cup of evaporated milk whisked with 1 ½ teaspoons of cornstarch.
#### Serving Ideas
In Sweden, these meatballs are frequently accompanied by lingonberry jam, reminiscent of cranberry sauce. You can serve them with:
– Egg noodles
– Mashed potatoes
– A side of vegetables
### Recipe for Simple Swedish Meatballs
**Servings**: 6
**Prep Time**: 20 minutes
**Cook Time**: 20 minutes
**Total Time**: 35 minutes
#### Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 pound ground pork
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– ½ cup milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon pepper
– ½ teaspoon allspice
– ½ teaspoon nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon cloves
– 2 tablespoons butter
– ¼ cup flour
– 2 cups beef stock
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
#### Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix until well incorporated and form into 45–48 small meatballs, around 1-inch in size.
2. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the meatballs and sear on all sides; they don’t need to be fully cooked. Remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs.
3. In the same skillet, add the butter to the meat drippings. Whisk in the flour and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in the broth, cream, and soy sauce, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
5. Once smooth, incorporate the meatballs and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are fully cooked. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
#### Notes
– If using beef broth instead of stock, add a little extra seasoning or bouillon for enhanced flavor.
– Fully cooked frozen meatballs can be added directly to the sauce. Make sure to thaw homemade frozen meatballs first and ensure they reach 160°F.
– Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
### Nutrition Information
– **Calories**: 397
– **Carbohydrates**: 12g
– **Protein**: 28g
– **Fat**: 26g
– **Sodium**: