# Homemade Swedish Meatballs: A Warm Weeknight Meal
Homemade Swedish Meatballs make for a warm weeknight meal featuring succulent meatballs cooked in a rich, savory gravy. This homemade version is influenced by the popular Ikea meatballs but crafted at home with basic ingredients. Pair them with egg noodles or mashed potatoes to create an ideal family dinner.
## Why This Swedish Meatball Recipe Is SO Delicious!
These are the finest Swedish meatballs we’ve ever tasted! Preparing them at home lets you use fresh ingredients, customize the seasonings and salt to your preference, and craft a new family favorite dinner. The sauce is both tasty and rich without being overly heavy, while the meatballs are soft and fresh. This entire recipe comes together in just one pan for effortless cleanup. Swedish meatballs are quick enough for a weeknight but cozy enough for entertaining guests.
## Ingredient Tips
– **Meat:** A mix of ground beef and pork enhances flavor, but you can use all ground beef if desired. Choose lean beef to keep some fat for taste.
– **Breadcrumbs & Egg:** These ingredients help bind the meatballs. Any type of breadcrumbs will suffice.
– **Spices:** A dash of warm spices gives the meatballs an authentic flavor.
– **Beef Stock:** Beef stock has a deeper flavor than broth. If you use broth, add a beef bouillon cube for more richness.
### Useful Tips
– Use 24 ounces of frozen, fully cooked meatballs instead of homemade if you’re pressed for time.
– Finely chopped onions or mushrooms can be sautéed in butter before making the sauce for enhanced flavor.
– Make large quantities of homemade meatballs to freeze for convenient weeknight meals.
– Substitute heavy cream with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but incorporate it at the end of cooking to avoid curdling.
## How to Prepare Swedish Meatballs (Overview)
1. **Combine & Form:** Mix ingredients to create meatballs.
2. **Sear:** Brown the meatballs for flavor and to maintain their shape.
3. **Prepare the Sauce:** Whisk butter and flour, then mix in broth and seasonings.
4. **Simmer:** Cook the meatballs in the sauce until fully done.
**Tip:** Swedish meatballs are commonly paired with lingonberry jam, which has a taste similar to cranberry sauce.
## Serving Ideas
Homemade Swedish meatballs pair excellently with starchy sides like egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
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### Recipe Overview
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 35 minutes
**Servings:** 6
### Ingredients
**For the Meatballs:**
– Ground beef
– Ground pork
– Breadcrumbs
– Egg
– Milk
– Salt
– Pepper
– Allspice
– Nutmeg
– Clove
**For the Sauce:**
– Butter
– Flour
– Beef stock
– Heavy cream
– Soy sauce
### Directions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and clove. Mix thoroughly and shape into 1-inch meatballs (approximately 45-48 meatballs).
2. Heat a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then transfer to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add butter to the drippings. Stir in flour and pepper, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in broth and cream, stirring until combined. Add soy sauce.
5. Return meatballs to the sauce and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Uncover and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes until thickened and meatballs are thoroughly cooked. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley if desired.
### Common Questions
**How to prepare Swedish meatballs in advance?**
The meatballs can be prepared up to 48 hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or frozen until ready to use.
**How to store leftover Swedish meatballs?**
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water if necessary.
**Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?**
Yes, use 24 ounces of frozen, fully cooked meatballs. Simmer them in the sauce as directed without browning them first.
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Savor your homemade Swedish meatballs, a delightful dish that offers warmth to any dinner scene!