• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Mom's Dinner
  • Home
  • All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
    • All Instant Pot Recipes
    • Instant Pot Soup
    • Instant Pot Beef
    • Instant Pot Chicken
    • Instant Pot Pork
    • Instant Pot Turkey
    • Instant Pot Pasta
    • Instant Pot Vegetarian
  • Dinner
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Mexican
    • Pasta
    • Vegetarian
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Dinner
  • Podcast
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • All Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Dinner
    • Podcast
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    You are here: Home / Recipes / Dinner

    Next Level Swedish Meatballs

    Published: Nov 16, 2021 · Modified: Feb 25, 2022 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links. 4 Comments

    • Share
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe
    pin image for Swedish Meatballs

    I would take a bet that this will be the BEST Swedish Meatball recipe you will make! The meatballs are made to flavorful perfection and smothered in a rich and creamy homemade gravy and served over amazing mashed potatoes, egg noodles or rice. These are WAY better than the ones you get at Ikea! Promise!

    Swedish meatballs and sauce over mashed potatoes in a bowl

    We love a really good meatball recipe around here!!! Some other ones to check out are Baked Italian Meatballs, Chicken Meatballs, Instant Pot Turkey Meatballs and BBQ Meatballs.

    Table of Contents hide
    1 Why These Are Next Level
    2 Traditional Swedish Meatballs
    3 Ingredients
    4 Panade
    5 Step by Step Picture Instructions
    6 Serving
    7 Storing
    8 Freezing
    9 Recipe Tips
    10 More Next Level Dinner Recipes
    11 Did you make this recipe?!
    12 Next Level Swedish Meatball Recipe

    Why These Are Next Level

    • These are not your run of the mill “cream of soup” Swedish Meatballs. The rich and creamy sauce is made from scratch.
    • Meatballs made with a panade will always be more tender and juicy.
    • 50% ground pork and 50% ground beef is a great mixture for Swedish Meatballs.
    • You can serve these over buttered garlic egg noodles, mashed potatoes, Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes or Rice, whatever fits your diet, mood and budget.

    Traditional Swedish Meatballs

    Swedish Meatballs in Sweden are called Köttbullar, and pronounced “SHUT-boo-lahr“.

    This recipe is definitely an Americanized version of Swedish meatballs.

    TRUE Swedish Meatballs, in Sweden, are generally not served in any type of gravy or sauce. If they are it may be a very light version of what we consider Swedish meatball sauce. They are commonly served over a buttered pasta or mashed potatoes with a Lingonberry Jam or pickled cucumbers on the side.

    Ingredients

    Pictured are the ingredients you need to make Swedish Meatballs and the Gravy Sauce.

    • ingredients for Swedish meatballs on a table
    • Swedish meatball sauce ingredients with text

    Ground Beef– an 85/15, 90/10 or 93/7 are great ratios to use in your Swedish Meatballs.

    Ground Pork– you want to grab regular ground pork here. This is not the time to use a sausage/flavored product.

    Onion – A yellow or white onion will work here. Make sure you very finely chop the onion so you don’t have large chunks in your meatballs. If a slight onion crunch is not your favorite, you can also grate the onion.

    Panade

    In this Swedish meatball recipe we make the meatballs with a panade, which keeps them moist and tender!

    A panade is a mix of a starch, usually bread or crackers, mixed with a liquid, usually milk, stock or egg, to keep a meat mixture juicy. This is a common practice with meatballs or meatloaf.

    Step by Step Picture Instructions

    There are three main steps for making NEXT LEVEL Swedish Meatballs: making killer meatballs, a delicious homemade sauce, and then combining the two:

    • Start by combining the beaten eggs and panko bread crumbs. Let sit for a few minutes to soften.
    • Now add the onion, garlic, parsley, all spice, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Give a quick mix.
    • Add the beef and pork and mix with clean hands to combine everything.
    ground beef, ground pork, panade and herbs in a bowl
    • Form your Swedish meatballs about 1 ½ inches each.
    raw Swedish meatballs
    • Now add oil to a large skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches.
    • Remove the cooked meatballs to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
    browned Swedish Meatballs in a skillet
    • If there is excess grease in the skillet wipe it out.
    • Now add the butter to the skillet and melt.
    • Sprinkle in the flour and let it cook into the butter for about 2 minutes, stirring.
    • Slowly whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
    • Whisk in the Worcestershire, Dijon, Kosher salt and pepper.
    • Once the sauce is thickened add the meatballs and juices to the pan. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes.
    a skillet full of Swedish Meatballs in a brown sauce

    Serving

    Serve your Swedish Meatballs over mashed potatoes (or Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes), rice, or garlic buttered egg noodles. Then pour the sauce over top.

    mashed potatoes topped with meatballs and brown sauce

    It also goes great with warm bread, a side salad, and/or vegetable side dish, like:

    • Sautéed Green Beans
    • Roasted Asparagus
    • Oven Roasted Fennel

    Storing

    Store leftover Swedish Meatballs in the fridge, in a covered container, for up to 5 days.

    Reheat in the microwave for a few minutes.

    Freezing

    To freeze the meatballs prepare and brown completely, then freeze individually on a rimmed baking tray. Once frozen solid move to a freezer safe baggie and keep for 3 months.

    I don’t recommend freezing the sauce/gravy because of the cream content. It can tend to separate after freezing.

    To reheat the meatballs place in a 350 degree oven on a parchment lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Then simmer in the gravy on the stove top.

    Recipe Tips

    • If you do not like a slight onion texture in your meatballs you can grate the onion. You will still get the flavor but not the extra texture.
    • Don’t skip the panade in your meatballs. It keeps them nice and juicy!
    • If you like your sauce a little thicker, whisk in a beurre manie (1 tablespoon softened butter mixed with 1 tablespoon flour) and let the sauce simmer for 1 minute.
    • Don’t make the meatballs any larger than 1 ½ inches, or they will struggle to cook through in the skillet.

    More Next Level Dinner Recipes

    • Very Best Baked Italian Meatballs
    • Cast Iron Roasted Half Chicken with Pan Gravy
    • Instant Pot Pork Roast with Vegetables & Gravy
    • Sausage Stuffed Shells with Tomato Cream Sauce
    • Ham Balls
    • Braised Tri Tip with Red Wine Glaze

    Susie Weinrich washing produce

    Did you make this recipe?!

    If you make this recipe I would love to hear your review. Pop down to the comment section and connect with me.

    Then sign up for our Weekly Newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

    Rate This Recipe
    a large bowl filled with mashed potatoes topped with Swedish Meatballs

    Next Level Swedish Meatball Recipe

    The best Swedish Meatball recipe you will make! A perfect meatball is simmered in a delicious homemade sauce/gravy and served over mashed potatoes, egg noodles or rice.
    This is WAY better than the Ikea Swedish Meatballs.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate SaveSaved to Grow
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 35 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6 people
    Calories: 706kcal
    Author: Susie Weinrich

    Equipment

    • Large skillet

    Ingredients

    Swedish Meatballs

    • 1 pound ground beef 85% lean
    • 1 pound ground pork
    • 2 eggs lightly beaten
    • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
    • 1 small onion very finely diced -(if you don't like an onion texture you can grate the onion)
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley chopped
    • ¼ tsp. ground allspice
    • ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
    • 1 ½ tsp. kosher salt
    • ¼ tsp. pepper
    • 1 Tbsp. olive oil

    Homemade Sauce/Gravy

    • 4 Tbsp. butter
    • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
    • 3 cups beef broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 ½ tsp. Dijon mustard
    • 1 tsp. kosher salt
    • ½ tsp. pepper

    Serving

    • Mashed Potatoes, Rice or Egg Noodles for serving
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    Instructions

    • In a medium sized bowl, combine the beaten eggs and the panko breadcrumbs and let sit for 2-3 minutes to soften.
    • Add in the diced onion, garlic, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, salt, pepper, ground beef and ground pork. Using clean hands or a large spoon, mix until thoroughly combined.
    • Roll the mixture into 1 ½ inch meatballs (you will have approx. 30 meatballs). Set meatballs aside.
    • In a large skillet heat the 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Add half the meatballs and cook turning continuously until brown on each side and cooked through (depending on how cold your meat/meatballs are this can take about 10 minutes).
    • Transfer the meatballs to a plate and cover tightly with foil.
    • Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
    • If there is a lot of extra grease, wipe the skillet clean so your sauce is not overly greasy. Now add 4 Tbsp. butter to the skillet and melt over medium heat .
    • Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until it turns golden brown (about 1-2 minutes).
    • Slowly whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken (approx. 10-15 minutes).
      Be patient this can take, what feels like, a long time! But it will thicken beautifully into a glossy sauce.
      However if you like it thicker your can add a beurre manie, 1 tablespoon softened butter mashed together with 1 tablespoon flour, whisk it in and simmer for 1 minute.
    • Once the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon, add the meatballs and any accumulated juices back into the skillet and simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
    • Serve over egg noodles, mashed potatoes or rice.

    Freezing

    • To freeze the meatballs prepare and brown completely, then freeze individually on a rimmed baking tray. Once frozen solid move to a freezer safe baggie and keep for 3 months.
    • I don't recommend freezing the sauce/gravy because of the cream content. It can tend to separate after freezing.
      Instead make the gravy when you remove the meatballs for serving.
    • To reheat the meatballs from frozen: place in a 350 degree oven on a parchment lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Then simmer in the gravy on the stove top.
    • To reheat the meatballs thawed: place the meatballs in the fridge overnight to thaw. Prepare the sauce/gravy and then simmer the meatballs in the sauce until heated through- approx. 15 minutes.

    Notes:

    Mashed Potatoes: my favorite way to serve Swedish Meatballs is over a big bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. Here are two AMAZING recipes to choose from:
    • Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
    • Amazing Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
    Recipe Tips: 
    • If you do not like a slight onion texture in your meatballs you can grate the onion. You will still get the flavor but not the extra texture.
    • Don’t skip the panade in your meatballs. It keeps them nice and juicy!
    • If you like your sauce a little thicker, whisk in a beurre manie (1 tablespoon softened butter mixed with 1 tablespoon flour) and let the sauce simmer for 1 minute.
    • Don’t make the meatballs any larger than 1 ½ inches, or they will struggle to cook through in the skillet.
    Did you try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments
    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 706kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 238mg | Sodium: 1543mg | Potassium: 652mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1131IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 99mg | Iron: 4mg

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

    More Mom's Dinner Recipes to Love

    • Easy Instant Pot Carnitas
    • Five Star Chicken Salad with Grapes
    • Saucy Hoisin Meatballs
    • Italian Style Meatball Soup
    • Share
    • Email

    About Susie Weinrich

    Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      We would love to have you comment & rate the recipe! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Lori

      June 22, 2022 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      Growing up, we used to go to a Swedish restaurant that had an amazing Sunday brunch and my favorite thing to get was the Swedish meatballs. This recipe takes me right back…so much flavor and the creamy sauce is truly next level!

      Reply
    2. Lori

      June 22, 2022 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      Growing up, we used to go to a Swedish restaurant that had an amazing Sunday brunch and my favorite thing to get was the Swedish meatballs. This recipe takes me right back…so much flavor and the creamy sauce is truly next level! Worth more than 5 stars!

      Reply
    3. Lauren

      June 01, 2022 at 3:22 pm

      5 stars
      I grew up eating these and haven’t found a recipe I’ve loved, until this one. Everyone in my house enjoyed it and went for seconds.

      Reply
    4. Craig

      January 11, 2022 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely fantastic!!!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    susie in the kitchen with a camera and a board of food

    Hi, I’m Susie, the Mom at Mom’s Dinner! Here you will find simple dinner recipes (and more) that are made with easy to find ingredients. Read More…

    NEED QUICK DINNER IDEAS? CHECK OUT THE PODCAST!

    mom's dinner featured in these places, buzzfeed, foodgawker, food yub, fridgg

    Helpful Meal Resources

    • Easter Dinner Menu For 10
    • Easy Meals for House Guests
    • 30 Easy Meals for a Large Group on Vacation
    • 30+ Sunday Family Dinner Ideas (by season!)

    New Recipes

    • How To Make Shredded Chicken
    • Easy Instant Pot Carnitas
    • Five Star Chicken Salad with Grapes
    • Saucy Hoisin Meatballs
    • Italian Style Meatball Soup
    • Savory Waffles with Ham and Cheese

    Easter Recipes

    • Classic Deviled Eggs
    • Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs with Easy to Peel Shells
    • Broccoli Bacon Salad
    • Oven Roasted Asparagus
    • Ham Balls
    • Ultimate Cheesy Potato Casserole
    All Easter Recipes

    Favorite Tequila Cocktails

    • Classic Margarita on the Rocks
    • Perfect Orange Margarita
    • Tequila Soda
    • Tequila Hot Toddy
    • Fresh Ginger Margarita
    • Frothy Tequila Sour Cocktail
    All Tequila Recipes

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Susie Weinrich
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter & Contact

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Contact Me!

    Recipes

    • Recipe By Category
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes

    Copyright © 2022 Mom's Dinner