Name: Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

If you have ever wanted to recreate that comforting classic from your favorite Scandinavian restaurant right at home, this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, perfectly spiced meatballs bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce that sings with the warmth of Worcestershire and a tangy hint of Dijon mustard. It’s a dish that delights every sense, bringing the ultimate cozy meal to your table with ease and elegance. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe hits the sweet spot of flavorful satisfaction and creamy indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A woman's hand holds a single round raw meatball made of ground meat mixed with green herbs and small white bits. Below, there are eleven similar meatballs arranged in a neat grid on a white marbled surface. The meatballs have a rough texture and reddish-brown color with specks of green and white throughout. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, accessible, and each one plays a crucial role in giving the Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe its signature taste and texture. From fragrant spices to creamy dairy, every item works together to create that luscious, unforgettable dish.

Ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base for your meatballs, ensuring they stay juicy and tender.
Panko bread crumbs (1/4 cup): Adds lightness and structure to the meatballs so they’re soft but hold their shape.
Parsley, chopped (1 tablespoon): Provides a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish.
Ground allspice (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers warm, aromatic depth that evokes traditional Scandinavian flavors.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle sweet spice that complements the meat’s richness perfectly.
Finely chopped onion (1/4 cup): Adds a mild savory sweetness and helps keep the meatballs moist.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the balance.
Pepper (1/8 teaspoon) and salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential seasoning to enhance every bite.
Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold all the ingredients together beautifully.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon) and butter (1 tablespoon): Used for browning the meatballs and building flavor in the sauce.
Butter (4 tablespoons) and flour (3 tablespoons): These create the roux, the thickening base for that creamy sauce.
Beef broth (2 cups): Provides deep savory notes and moisture for the sauce.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce irresistibly rich and silky smooth.
Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds complexity and that umami lift that makes the sauce sing.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Offers a subtle tang and sharpness that balances the creaminess.
Salt and pepper to taste: Final seasoning to perfect the flavors.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Meatball Ingredients

Start by gathering your meatball ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Mix together the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, chopped parsley, allspice, nutmeg, finely chopped onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and egg. This mixture forms the foundation of your meatballs, blending aromatic spices and textures that will shine through after cooking.

Step 2: Shape and Cook the Meatballs

Gently shape the mixture into approximately 12 large or 20 smaller meatballs depending on your preference. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and butter until shimmering. Add the meatballs and carefully turn them to achieve an even golden-brown crust on all sides. This step locks in juices and adds an irresistible caramelized flavor. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes, then transfer the meatballs to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour. Stir continuously as the mixture browns into a rich roux. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps, followed by the heavy cream. Add the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Watch as it thickens to the perfect silky consistency while picking up all those browned bits left from the meatballs—a flavor jackpot!

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Return the meatballs to the skillet with the cream sauce and let them simmer gently for another 1 to 2 minutes. This step allows the meatballs to soak up the creamy sauce flavors while ensuring they’re heated through perfectly. At this point, taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper to suit your palate, bringing everything together beautifully.

How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe

A silver pan filled with about twenty browned meatballs, each roughly round with a slightly rough texture showing browned crust spots and some areas of lighter cooked meat, resting evenly across the pan's bottom. A pair of silver tongs holds one meatball near the right side of the pan. The pan's surface inside shows small browned bits and light reflections from cooking oil. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh chopped parsley or dill on top of the meatballs right before serving brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh burst of herbal flavor that complements the richness of the creamy sauce wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This classic Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe is dreamed up to go perfectly over egg noodles or velvety mashed potatoes. Both options soak up the sauce like magic. Roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad can also add a refreshing contrast to the indulgent main.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, try serving the meatballs on toasted rye bread as an open-faced sandwich or scoop them over buttered spaetzle. A sprinkle of lingonberry jam alongside adds sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Swedish meatballs with creamy sauce keep excellently in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves their flavor and texture, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked meatballs and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. This makes it very convenient to enjoy this dish when you want a quick and satisfying meal without starting from scratch.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Adding a splash of beef broth or cream can help refresh the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use ground pork or a mix of meats instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground pork or a blend of beef and pork adds extra juiciness and flavor depth. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the meatballs are cooked through.

What can I substitute if I don’t have panko bread crumbs?

You can use regular bread crumbs or even crushed crackers in place of panko. They will help bind the meatballs just as well but may result in slightly denser meatballs.

Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy sauce?

Yes, you can swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. Keep in mind this will give the sauce a different, slightly sweet flavor, but it’s still delicious.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread crumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux. It’s an easy swap that keeps the dish fully flavorful.

Can I make Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Meatballs and sauce can be prepared and refrigerated a day ahead, making last-minute serving a breeze. Just reheat gently before serving to enjoy that fresh-from-the-kitchen feeling.

Final Thoughts

Diving into this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug. It’s straightforward to make yet packed with layers of flavor that comfort and impress. If you’re craving a dish that’s both homey and elegant, with that legendary sauce to brag about, this recipe is your new go-to. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delicious step — your taste buds will thank you.

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need