Name: Creamy Swedish Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound ground pork; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/2 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Cozy, comforting, and irresistibly creamy, Swedish meatballs are a classic for a reason. These little orbs of seasoned meat smothered in a velvety sauce bring together the best of hearty and homey. Whether you’re serving them over buttery mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even with a side of lingonberry jam, they promise to satisfy every craving.

This dish is all about contrast—savory meat, smooth cream, and just the right amount of spice. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a dish that wraps you up in comfort, creamy Swedish meatballs turn any night into something special. And once you taste how simple they are to whip up at home, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the frozen kind.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Swedish Meatballs Recipe

These Swedish meatballs come together with everyday ingredients and just a few steps, making them an easy win for weeknight dinners. The combination of ground beef and pork ensures juicy bites every time, and the sauce? It’s rich, creamy, and clings beautifully to every meatball. Plus, it reheats like a dream, so you can enjoy leftovers just as much the next day.

What Kind of Meat Should I Use?

Traditionally, Swedish meatballs use a mix of ground beef and pork. The pork adds fat and flavor, while the beef provides a hearty texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be used, but expect a slightly less rich flavor. A little fat goes a long way in keeping the meatballs tender and flavorful.

Ingredients for the Creamy Swedish Meatballs

The ingredients in this dish are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create that comforting, creamy flavor profile. Using pantry staples with a couple of fresh additions, you can pull this dish together without much fuss.

Ground beef
Ground pork
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Onion
Garlic
Allspice
Nutmeg
Salt and pepper
Butter
Flour
Beef broth
Heavy cream
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard

Each element plays its part: breadcrumbs and egg bind the meatballs, while the spices lend them their signature flavor. The sauce, rich with cream and beef broth, is what elevates this dish into pure comfort food.

How To Make the Creamy Swedish Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, finely chopped onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Form and Brown the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, then stir in flour to make a roux. Slowly whisk in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and finally the heavy cream. Let it simmer until thickened.

Step 4: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened to a silky consistency.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Swedish Meatballs

This recipe serves about four people generously, perfect for a family meal or dinner with guests. Swedish meatballs are traditionally served over creamy mashed potatoes, but they’re also delicious over buttered egg noodles or white rice. A spoonful of lingonberry jam on the side adds a sweet-tart contrast that’s absolutely divine.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of extra cream or broth to keep the sauce luscious.

What to Serve With Creamy Swedish Meatballs?

Mashed Potatoes

A classic and comforting base that soaks up every drop of the creamy sauce.

Egg Noodles

Their silky texture pairs beautifully with the savory meatballs and rich gravy.

Lingonberry Jam

A sweet, tart Scandinavian staple that cuts through the richness of the dish.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for some color and crunch.

Pickled Cucumbers

Their briny tang adds brightness and contrast to the creamy flavor profile.

Crusty Bread

Perfect for mopping up the leftover sauce.

Swedish Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, lightly pickled cucumber salad adds a cooling note.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If this cozy plate of Swedish meatballs hits the spot, here are more comforting favorites to try next:

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli with a rich sauce that rivals takeout.
Cajun Potato Soup for those nights you want a spicy and creamy bowl.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini when you need the ultimate pasta-meets-taco night combo.
Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for a side that turns any meal into a celebration.
Butter Pecan Cheesecake for dessert that will steal the show.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go traditional or add your own spin? Did you sneak in turkey or stick to beef and pork?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other cook smarter, not harder.

Explore beautifully curated comforting meals and easy dinners on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and find your next weeknight winner!

Conclusion

Creamy Swedish meatballs are the kind of dish that delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and satisfaction. From the first tender bite to the last swipe of sauce with bread, it’s a meal that comforts and impresses. Whether you’re trying them for the first time or bringing back a childhood favorite, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.