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| Boilerpipe Text | Swedish Meatballs
Updated October 16, 2025
/ By
Holly Erickson
My
Swedish meatball recipe
makes the best, juiciest meatballs in gravy you'll ever have. Warm with spices and simmered in heavenly creamy gravy sauce, they’re way better than Ikea’s.Â
Categories
Fall
Winter
Lunch
Dinner
Appetizers
Photography by Gayle McLeod
I married a Norwegian and (even though these are Swedish), his Nordic family loves my
homemade Swedish meatball recipe
, so I feel comfortable saying that these really are the best! I use a combo of ground pork and beef so the little meatballs are rich and juicy. Seasoned with parsley, allspice, nutmeg, grated onion, and garlic and simmered in creamy, peppery gravy sauce, they’re SO good. Â
I love to serve them over
mashed potatoes
with broccoli on the side for a cozy dinner that can’t be beat! They’re yummy with buttered noodles, too. For more classic
meatball recipes
, you can’t go wrong with
spaghetti and meatballs
, or for more creamy comfort, don’t miss
Beef Stroganoff
.Â
Homemade Swedish Meatball Ingredients
Meat!
 Ground pork and ground beef make the most tender, juicy Swedish meatballs, but sometimes I lighten this recipe up by using ground turkey and chicken instead.
Grated onions:
 Use a
box grater
or a
food processor
with the grating attachment. Grating the onion lets it melt smoothly into the meatball mixture.Â
Parsley:
 Just a hint of fresh herbs brings a lot of homemade goodness to this recipe.Â
Fresh garlic:Â
Sharp, savory garlic, because of COURSE.
Panko:
 Airy panko breadcrumbs are my secret to tender Swedish meatballs! I often use gluten free panko and it works great.Â
Eggs:
 Eggs help the meatballs stick together.Â
Spices:
 Classic Swedish meatball spices are nutmeg, allspice, salt and pepper.Â
For the creamy gravy sauce
Butter:
 Unsalted butter is best because there’s salt in the beef stock and the meatballs.Â
Cream:
Use regular heavy cream, no swaps.Â
Flour:Â
Flour thickens the gravy so it clings to every meatball. I often sub in
gluten free flour to make this recipe gluten free
!Â
Beef stock:
 Rich beef stock is really important to get that classic savory Swedish meatball flavor.Â
Seasonings:
 Allspice, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Same as in the meatballs!
Lemon:
 Just a touch of lemon brightens all that buttery richness up.Â
How To Make Swedish Meatballs
Mix meatball ingredients
in a
large bowl
.
Roll outÂ
about 30 meatballs.
Fry the meatballs
in a largeÂ
skillet
, working in batches.
Use the same skillet
to make the greatest sauce for Swedish meatballs you’ve ever tasted.
Simmer the meatballs in the gravy
and simmer them in the creamy, spiced Swedish meatball sauce!Â
Tips for the BEST Swedish Meatballs
Make small, evenly-sized meatballs.
It’ll be easiest to cook them to perfection if they’re all about the same size.Â
Don’t overmix the meatballs.Â
The key to tender meatballs is gently mixing the meat mixture just until they look uniform. Then stop!Â
Dip your hands in a bit of water
as you roll the meatballs! It keeps the mixture from sticking to your hands.Â
Fry the meatballs in small batches.
If you crowd the pan, the meatballs will steam instead of brown.Â
Serving Suggestions
Swedish meatballs are traditionally served over
mashed potatoes
or egg noodles, but you can do whatever you want, really. Swedish meatballs are actually one of my favorite
Super Bowl
and holiday party foods, too! Try serving them on little toothpicks.Â
How To Store Leftover Meatballs
Leftover Swedish meatballs and sauce can be stored
in an
airtight container
in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they reheat perfectly in a covered casserole dish. Heat your oven to 350° and pop them in for 10-15 minutes. Cover with warmed sauce and you are good to go!Â
How To Freeze
You’ve got options for freezing, too!Â
Freeze the uncooked meatballs up to 3 months.
I like to freeze them on a baking sheet, then the next day, I pop them off the sheet and store them in a zipper-top freezer bag. You can alsoÂ
freeze cooked Swedish meatballsÂ
and gravy for up to 2 months.
Tips For Making Ahead
Prep the meatballs a day ahead of time, and store them in the fridge. When it’s time for the party, just pop them in the oven and make the gravy. ORÂ
make the entire dish two days ahead of time
. Then, let it cool and refrigerate it until you’re ready. To warm it up, gently warm the meatballs in the gravy over low heat on the stove top, or in an oven set to 350°F for about 15 minutes until it is warmed through.Â
More Classic Comfort Recipes
Let’s Call Dinner Done (And Delicious)
For more recipe inspiration, follow us on
Facebook
,
Instagram
,
TikTok
and
Pinterest
or
order our cookbook
. We love when you share your meals. Tag us on Instagram using
#themodernproper
. Happy cooking!
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Updated October 16, 2025
Serves:Â
8
Prep Time:Â
20Â min
Cook Time:Â
40Â min
Calories:Â
463
Description
These
Swedish Meatballs
are pure comfort! Tender beef & pork meatballs in a rich, creamy gravy with allspice & nutmeg. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Classic recipe ready in an hour!
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound​
80/20 ground beef
1 pound
ground pork
ÂĽ cup
minced flat leaf parsley
½ teaspoon
ground allspice
½ teaspoon
ground nutmeg
â…“ cup
grated yellow onion
2 teaspoons
kosher salt
½ teaspoon
freshly cracked black pepper
4
garlic cloves, minced
Âľ cup
panko breadcrumbs
2 large
eggs
2 tablespoons
extra-virgin olive oil
Cream Gravy
½ cup (1 stick)
unsalted butter
½ cup
all-purpose flour
4 cups
beef stock
1 teaspoon
kosher salt
ÂĽ teaspoon
freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon
fresh lemon juice, (from 1 lemon)
ÂĽ teaspoon
ground allspice
ÂĽ teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1 cup
heavy cream
For Serving (optional)
Mashed potatoes
Cooked egg noodles
Lingonberry jam
Method
Make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, grated onion, salt, pepper, garlic, panko and eggs. Mix well, then with wet hands, form golf ball–size balls (about 2 tablespoons each). You should have about 30 to 35 meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glistening, add half of the meatballs in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed, until the meatballs are just browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn them carefully and cook to brown the opposite side, about 3 more minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Repeat with remaining meatballs. Pour any excess grease from the skillet into a heatproof vessel.Â
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, stirring until melted. When the butter begins to bubble, sprinkle in the flour and cook, whisking, until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Whisk in the beef stock, salt, pepper, lemon juice, allspice and nutmeg, and cream until fully incorporated. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
Add the meatballs to the sauce and turn to coat. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the gravy has thickened and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes.Â
Serve warm over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, with lingonberry jam on the side if using.Â
Calories
463
Protein
27 g
Carbohydrates
11 g
Total Fat
35 g
Dietary Fiber
1 g
Cholesterol
157 mg
Sodium
1050 mg
Total Sugars
1 g
Louise
5-star rating
Thanks Louise, glad you enjoyed these!
Julie
5-star rating
So happy to hear this Julie!
Joanna
5-star rating
Glad you loved it! Joanna Malea!
Tamara
5-star rating
That would work fine, hope you enjoy!
Darla
5-star rating
You might not be cooking the roux (butter and flour) long enough. Try cooking it for 2-3 minutes until its slightly golden and smells nutty. Hope it helps!
Jodi
5-star rating
Wonderful!
cat
5-star rating
Glad you enjoyed it Cat!
Cara
5-star rating
Thank you, so happy you loved it!
5-star rating
Gwendolina
5-star rating
Thanks, so glad you loved it! We love your commitment to finding all the right ingredients, sorry it was such a pain to google all of that! |
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(107)
# Swedish Meatballs
Updated October 16, 2025 / By [Holly Erickson](https://themodernproper.com/about/holly-erickson)
My **Swedish meatball recipe** makes the best, juiciest meatballs in gravy you'll ever have. Warm with spices and simmered in heavenly creamy gravy sauce, they’re way better than Ikea’s.
Categories
- Fall
- Winter
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Appetizers

Photography by Gayle McLeod
Jump to Recipe
Save Recipe
Share this recipe on Pinterest
I married a Norwegian and (even though these are Swedish), his Nordic family loves my **homemade Swedish meatball recipe**, so I feel comfortable saying that these really are the best! I use a combo of ground pork and beef so the little meatballs are rich and juicy. Seasoned with parsley, allspice, nutmeg, grated onion, and garlic and simmered in creamy, peppery gravy sauce, they’re SO good.

I love to serve them over [mashed potatoes](https://themodernproper.com/classic-mashed-potatoes) with broccoli on the side for a cozy dinner that can’t be beat! They’re yummy with buttered noodles, too. For more classic [meatball recipes](https://themodernproper.com/best-meatball-recipes), you can’t go wrong with [spaghetti and meatballs](https://themodernproper.com/spaghetti-and-meatballs), or for more creamy comfort, don’t miss [Beef Stroganoff](https://themodernproper.com/beef-stroganoff).

## Homemade Swedish Meatball Ingredients
- **Meat\!** Ground pork and ground beef make the most tender, juicy Swedish meatballs, but sometimes I lighten this recipe up by using ground turkey and chicken instead.
- **Grated onions:** Use a [box grater](https://amzlink.to/az03orNz78Oar) or a [food processor](https://amzlink.to/az0R5v65NlxgA) with the grating attachment. Grating the onion lets it melt smoothly into the meatball mixture.
- **Parsley:** Just a hint of fresh herbs brings a lot of homemade goodness to this recipe.
- **Fresh garlic:** Sharp, savory garlic, because of COURSE.
- **Panko:** Airy panko breadcrumbs are my secret to tender Swedish meatballs! I often use gluten free panko and it works great.
- **Eggs:** Eggs help the meatballs stick together.
- **Spices:** Classic Swedish meatball spices are nutmeg, allspice, salt and pepper.
### For the creamy gravy sauce
- **Butter:** Unsalted butter is best because there’s salt in the beef stock and the meatballs.
- **Cream:** Use regular heavy cream, no swaps.
- **Flour:** Flour thickens the gravy so it clings to every meatball. I often sub in **gluten free flour to make this recipe gluten free**\!
- **Beef stock:** Rich beef stock is really important to get that classic savory Swedish meatball flavor.
- **Seasonings:** Allspice, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Same as in the meatballs\!
- **Lemon:** Just a touch of lemon brightens all that buttery richness up.


## How To Make Swedish Meatballs
1. **Mix meatball ingredients** in a [large bowl](https://amzlink.to/az0lXGjrLnYGZ).
2. **Roll out** about 30 meatballs.
3. **Fry the meatballs** in a large [skillet](https://amzlink.to/az0Y2fjAvqNXT), working in batches.
4. **Use the same skillet** to make the greatest sauce for Swedish meatballs you’ve ever tasted.
5. **Simmer the meatballs in the gravy** and simmer them in the creamy, spiced Swedish meatball sauce\!

## Tips for the BEST Swedish Meatballs
- **Make small, evenly-sized meatballs.** It’ll be easiest to cook them to perfection if they’re all about the same size.
- **Don’t overmix the meatballs.** The key to tender meatballs is gently mixing the meat mixture just until they look uniform. Then stop\!
- **Dip your hands in a bit of water** as you roll the meatballs! It keeps the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- **Fry the meatballs in small batches.** If you crowd the pan, the meatballs will steam instead of brown.


## Serving Suggestions
Swedish meatballs are traditionally served over [mashed potatoes](https://themodernproper.com/classic-mashed-potatoes) or egg noodles, but you can do whatever you want, really. Swedish meatballs are actually one of my favorite [Super Bowl](https://themodernproper.com/super-bowl-recipes) and holiday party foods, too! Try serving them on little toothpicks.


## How To Store Leftover Meatballs
**Leftover Swedish meatballs and sauce can be stored** in an [airtight container](https://amzlink.to/az0ROgyyABcP1) in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they reheat perfectly in a covered casserole dish. Heat your oven to 350° and pop them in for 10-15 minutes. Cover with warmed sauce and you are good to go\!

## How To Freeze
You’ve got options for freezing, too! **Freeze the uncooked meatballs up to 3 months.** I like to freeze them on a baking sheet, then the next day, I pop them off the sheet and store them in a zipper-top freezer bag. You can also **freeze cooked Swedish meatballs** and gravy for up to 2 months.


## Tips For Making Ahead
Prep the meatballs a day ahead of time, and store them in the fridge. When it’s time for the party, just pop them in the oven and make the gravy. OR **make the entire dish two days ahead of time**. Then, let it cool and refrigerate it until you’re ready. To warm it up, gently warm the meatballs in the gravy over low heat on the stove top, or in an oven set to 350°F for about 15 minutes until it is warmed through.

## More Classic Comfort Recipes
- [ Hamburger Helper Everyone has memories of Hamburger Helper from their childhood. We’re making this comforting classic from scratch, and you’ll be surprised that the homemade version is as easy to make as the box\!](https://themodernproper.com/hamburger-helper)
- [ Chicken Pot Pie Our super classic chicken pot pie recipe — with tender chicken and lots of veggies in a cozy, creamy sauce all tucked into a buttery crust — couldn’t be easier to make.](https://themodernproper.com/chicken-pot-pie)
- [ Chicken and Dumplings Is there anything quite as comforting as a dish like chicken and dumplings? Cozy and classic, our easy recipe makes this soothing meal fast enough to be weeknight-friendly, too\!](https://themodernproper.com/chicken-and-dumplings)
- [ Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese This is the best **baked macaroni and cheese** recipe I’ve ever whipped up! A homemade upgrade of the childhood classic with a velvety cheese sauce and all the crispy bits everyone will fight over.](https://themodernproper.com/classic-baked-macaroni-and-cheese)
## Let’s Call Dinner Done (And Delicious)
For more recipe inspiration, follow us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/themodernproper/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/themodernproper), [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernproper) and [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/themodernproper) or [order our cookbook](https://themodernproper.com/cookbook). We love when you share your meals. Tag us on Instagram using [\#themodernproper](https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/themodernproper/). Happy cooking\!
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(107)
## Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Updated October 16, 2025
By [Holly Erickson](https://themodernproper.com/about/holly-erickson)
- Serves: 8
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Calories: 463
### Description
These **Swedish Meatballs** are pure comfort! Tender beef & pork meatballs in a rich, creamy gravy with allspice & nutmeg. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Classic recipe ready in an hour\!
[Print Recipe](https://themodernproper.com/print/swedish-meatballs "Print this Recipe")
Pin Recipe
## đź’Ś Send yourself this recipe
### Ingredients
#### Meatballs
- 1 pound​ 80/20 ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- ÂĽ cup minced flat leaf parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- â…“ cup grated yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Âľ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
#### Cream Gravy
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ÂĽ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, (from 1 lemon)
- ÂĽ teaspoon ground allspice
- ÂĽ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy cream
#### For Serving (optional)
- [Mashed potatoes](https://themodernproper.com/classic-mashed-potatoes)
- Cooked egg noodles
- Lingonberry jam
### Method
1. Make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, grated onion, salt, pepper, garlic, panko and eggs. Mix well, then with wet hands, form golf ball–size balls (about 2 tablespoons each). You should have about 30 to 35 meatballs.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glistening, add half of the meatballs in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed, until the meatballs are just browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn them carefully and cook to brown the opposite side, about 3 more minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Repeat with remaining meatballs. Pour any excess grease from the skillet into a heatproof vessel.

3. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, stirring until melted. When the butter begins to bubble, sprinkle in the flour and cook, whisking, until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Whisk in the beef stock, salt, pepper, lemon juice, allspice and nutmeg, and cream until fully incorporated. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Add the meatballs to the sauce and turn to coat. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the gravy has thickened and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes.

5. Serve warm over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, with lingonberry jam on the side if using.

## Related Recipes
### Nutrition Info
- Per Serving
- Amount
- Calories 463
- Protein 27 g
- Carbohydrates 11 g
- Total Fat 35 g
- Dietary Fiber 1 g
- Cholesterol 157 mg
- Sodium 1050 mg
- Total Sugars 1 g
Scroll to top
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Swedish Meatballs
## Questions & Reviews
Rated 5 stars by 107 readers
Ask a Question
or
Write a Review
Questions 63
Reviews 107
Avg: 5 / 5
- Gail
Can I use super thick sour cream instead of heavy cream. I bought the sour cream not realizing how thick it was (you can stand a spoon in it) and I don't know what to do with it. Thought of your recipe.
We probably wouldn't use that sub here just because the flavor of sour cream is quite different than heavy cream.
- Joann
Can you freeze this recipe
Yes! Pleas see the "how to freeze" instructions in the post.
- Stacey
What do I do if I dont have panko?
we use panko as the binder. If you have regular breadcrumbs those could work too. If you make it without breadcrumbs or panko they just migh tnot hold together as well and would have a more dense texture.
- Abigail
Im curious if you think this recipe would work with a mixture of beef and lamb instead of beef and pork?
We haven't tried it but should be great\!
- Sarah
I love making Swedish meatballs and decided to make them for Christmas this year. This recipe looks fantastic! Do you think it would fit in my 6 qt Dutch oven if I doubled the recipe?
It would probably not fit. 8 qt would be better
- Bruce-Michele
If I wanted to make ahead, should I freeze the meatballs after cooking or before? thank you \!
Hi Bruce, we have a section in this post with freezing instructions that you can check out. You can freeze either raw or baked\!
- Jacki
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
You can, you'll need a lot less. Around 1 1/3 tablespoons dried parsley. Hope you enjoy\!
- Liz
Can these be baked in the oven rather than fried?
Totally! Bake on 400F for 15-20 minutes until baked through.
- Robert
Can I just bake them in the oven
Sure! Baked them on 400F for about 15-20 minutes until baked through. Hope you enjoy Robert.
- Deb
You used to have a section in this recipe for making slurry with cornstarch instead of flour. I dont see it. Whats the ratio?
Thanks\!
Gluten Free Version: if you want to keep this recipe gluten free, you can sub the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. To keep the gluten out of the gravy, you will want to reserve 1 cup of beef stock and mix it with â…“ cup corn starch. Add it to the gravy at the end to thicken it up.
Load More Questions
- Louise
5-star rating
Delicious! Maybe not the healthiest version, but definitely worth the effort for the comfort and enjoyment.
Thank you.
Thanks Louise, glad you enjoyed these\!
- Julie
5-star rating
It was a snowy night and I had some frozen turkey meatballs in the freezer. I served them with egg noodles and your delicious sauce and it warmed us from the inside out. Great recipe, thank you\!
So happy to hear this Julie\!
- Joanna
5-star rating
Joanna Panzera said "Love this recipe! Takes me back to a time when things were simpler!"
Glad you loved it! Joanna Malea\!
- Tamara
5-star rating
Have you tried this using chicken or turkey? I have several family members who have difficulty digesting beef and pork.
That would work fine, hope you enjoy\!
- Darla
5-star rating
We love this recipe! One thing- my sauce is coming out too thin. Thoughts on what I could be doing wrong, or how to thicken it more?
You might not be cooking the roux (butter and flour) long enough. Try cooking it for 2-3 minutes until its slightly golden and smells nutty. Hope it helps\!
- Jodi
5-star rating
Im making this for dinner tonight! My house smells heavenly
Wonderful\!
- cat
5-star rating
please forgive the changes i made for the meatballs - i used jimmy dean original sausage (because i had to use it up) and bisquick (again to use some) but added all your other ingredients for the meatballs - excellent! and i added a splash of dry sherry to the sauce - love sherry in cream sauces! thank you for this recipe\!
Glad you enjoyed it Cat\!
- Cara
5-star rating
Excellent recipe 👍🏼
Thank you, so happy you loved it\!
- 5-star rating
Looks good, but for the garlic. It doesn't belong there, and I doubt any Swede would tolerate it
- Gwendolina
5-star rating
I am Icelandic living in Australia I halved the recipe, we don't get sticks of butter so I did some googledebunking it's 114 grams per "stick" All purpose flour is plain flour, yellow onion is brown onion (I did ask the grocery shop for a yellow onion I got a strange look lol) and 1 lb of ground pork or beef is 450 grams of pork or beef mince. Mainly so I don't embarass myself again haha. This recipe is delicious I omitted the salt from the sauce as I accidentally got regular beef stock instead of salt reduced , I also left out the lemon juice and I have leftovers for days . This is definitely a keeper, I am having some leftovers of this tonight with buttered egg noodles
Thanks, so glad you loved it! We love your commitment to finding all the right ingredients, sorry it was such a pain to google all of that\!
Load More Reviews
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## Save this Recipe

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| Readable Markdown | ## Swedish Meatballs
Updated October 16, 2025 / By [Holly Erickson](https://themodernproper.com/about/holly-erickson)
My **Swedish meatball recipe** makes the best, juiciest meatballs in gravy you'll ever have. Warm with spices and simmered in heavenly creamy gravy sauce, they’re way better than Ikea’s.
Categories
- Fall
- Winter
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Appetizers

Photography by Gayle McLeod
I married a Norwegian and (even though these are Swedish), his Nordic family loves my **homemade Swedish meatball recipe**, so I feel comfortable saying that these really are the best! I use a combo of ground pork and beef so the little meatballs are rich and juicy. Seasoned with parsley, allspice, nutmeg, grated onion, and garlic and simmered in creamy, peppery gravy sauce, they’re SO good.

I love to serve them over [mashed potatoes](https://themodernproper.com/classic-mashed-potatoes) with broccoli on the side for a cozy dinner that can’t be beat! They’re yummy with buttered noodles, too. For more classic [meatball recipes](https://themodernproper.com/best-meatball-recipes), you can’t go wrong with [spaghetti and meatballs](https://themodernproper.com/spaghetti-and-meatballs), or for more creamy comfort, don’t miss [Beef Stroganoff](https://themodernproper.com/beef-stroganoff).

## Homemade Swedish Meatball Ingredients
- **Meat\!** Ground pork and ground beef make the most tender, juicy Swedish meatballs, but sometimes I lighten this recipe up by using ground turkey and chicken instead.
- **Grated onions:** Use a [box grater](https://amzlink.to/az03orNz78Oar) or a [food processor](https://amzlink.to/az0R5v65NlxgA) with the grating attachment. Grating the onion lets it melt smoothly into the meatball mixture.
- **Parsley:** Just a hint of fresh herbs brings a lot of homemade goodness to this recipe.
- **Fresh garlic:** Sharp, savory garlic, because of COURSE.
- **Panko:** Airy panko breadcrumbs are my secret to tender Swedish meatballs! I often use gluten free panko and it works great.
- **Eggs:** Eggs help the meatballs stick together.
- **Spices:** Classic Swedish meatball spices are nutmeg, allspice, salt and pepper.
### For the creamy gravy sauce
- **Butter:** Unsalted butter is best because there’s salt in the beef stock and the meatballs.
- **Cream:** Use regular heavy cream, no swaps.
- **Flour:** Flour thickens the gravy so it clings to every meatball. I often sub in **gluten free flour to make this recipe gluten free**\!
- **Beef stock:** Rich beef stock is really important to get that classic savory Swedish meatball flavor.
- **Seasonings:** Allspice, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Same as in the meatballs\!
- **Lemon:** Just a touch of lemon brightens all that buttery richness up.


## How To Make Swedish Meatballs
1. **Mix meatball ingredients** in a [large bowl](https://amzlink.to/az0lXGjrLnYGZ).
2. **Roll out** about 30 meatballs.
3. **Fry the meatballs** in a large [skillet](https://amzlink.to/az0Y2fjAvqNXT), working in batches.
4. **Use the same skillet** to make the greatest sauce for Swedish meatballs you’ve ever tasted.
5. **Simmer the meatballs in the gravy** and simmer them in the creamy, spiced Swedish meatball sauce\!

## Tips for the BEST Swedish Meatballs
- **Make small, evenly-sized meatballs.** It’ll be easiest to cook them to perfection if they’re all about the same size.
- **Don’t overmix the meatballs.** The key to tender meatballs is gently mixing the meat mixture just until they look uniform. Then stop\!
- **Dip your hands in a bit of water** as you roll the meatballs! It keeps the mixture from sticking to your hands.
- **Fry the meatballs in small batches.** If you crowd the pan, the meatballs will steam instead of brown.


## Serving Suggestions
Swedish meatballs are traditionally served over [mashed potatoes](https://themodernproper.com/classic-mashed-potatoes) or egg noodles, but you can do whatever you want, really. Swedish meatballs are actually one of my favorite [Super Bowl](https://themodernproper.com/super-bowl-recipes) and holiday party foods, too! Try serving them on little toothpicks.


## How To Store Leftover Meatballs
**Leftover Swedish meatballs and sauce can be stored** in an [airtight container](https://amzlink.to/az0ROgyyABcP1) in the fridge for up to 3 days, and they reheat perfectly in a covered casserole dish. Heat your oven to 350° and pop them in for 10-15 minutes. Cover with warmed sauce and you are good to go\!

## How To Freeze
You’ve got options for freezing, too! **Freeze the uncooked meatballs up to 3 months.** I like to freeze them on a baking sheet, then the next day, I pop them off the sheet and store them in a zipper-top freezer bag. You can also **freeze cooked Swedish meatballs** and gravy for up to 2 months.


## Tips For Making Ahead
Prep the meatballs a day ahead of time, and store them in the fridge. When it’s time for the party, just pop them in the oven and make the gravy. OR **make the entire dish two days ahead of time**. Then, let it cool and refrigerate it until you’re ready. To warm it up, gently warm the meatballs in the gravy over low heat on the stove top, or in an oven set to 350°F for about 15 minutes until it is warmed through.

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## Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Updated October 16, 2025
- Serves: 8
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Calories: 463
### Description
These **Swedish Meatballs** are pure comfort! Tender beef & pork meatballs in a rich, creamy gravy with allspice & nutmeg. Serve over mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Classic recipe ready in an hour\!
### Ingredients
#### Meatballs
- 1 pound​ 80/20 ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- ÂĽ cup minced flat leaf parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- â…“ cup grated yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Âľ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
#### Cream Gravy
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ÂĽ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, (from 1 lemon)
- ÂĽ teaspoon ground allspice
- ÂĽ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup heavy cream
#### For Serving (optional)
- [Mashed potatoes](https://themodernproper.com/classic-mashed-potatoes)
- Cooked egg noodles
- Lingonberry jam
### Method
1. Make the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, grated onion, salt, pepper, garlic, panko and eggs. Mix well, then with wet hands, form golf ball–size balls (about 2 tablespoons each). You should have about 30 to 35 meatballs.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or braiser over medium-high heat. Once the oil is glistening, add half of the meatballs in a single layer. Cook, undisturbed, until the meatballs are just browned on the bottom, about 3 minutes. Turn them carefully and cook to brown the opposite side, about 3 more minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a plate. Repeat with remaining meatballs. Pour any excess grease from the skillet into a heatproof vessel.

3. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, stirring until melted. When the butter begins to bubble, sprinkle in the flour and cook, whisking, until fully incorporated, about 1 minute. Whisk in the beef stock, salt, pepper, lemon juice, allspice and nutmeg, and cream until fully incorporated. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

4. Add the meatballs to the sauce and turn to coat. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the gravy has thickened and the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 10 minutes.

5. Serve warm over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, with lingonberry jam on the side if using.

- Calories 463
- Protein 27 g
- Carbohydrates 11 g
- Total Fat 35 g
- Dietary Fiber 1 g
- Cholesterol 157 mg
- Sodium 1050 mg
- Total Sugars 1 g
- Louise
5-star rating
Thanks Louise, glad you enjoyed these\!
- Julie
5-star rating
So happy to hear this Julie\!
- Joanna
5-star rating
Glad you loved it! Joanna Malea\!
- Tamara
5-star rating
That would work fine, hope you enjoy\!
- Darla
5-star rating
You might not be cooking the roux (butter and flour) long enough. Try cooking it for 2-3 minutes until its slightly golden and smells nutty. Hope it helps\!
- Jodi
5-star rating
Wonderful\!
- cat
5-star rating
Glad you enjoyed it Cat\!
- Cara
5-star rating
Thank you, so happy you loved it\!
- 5-star rating
- Gwendolina
5-star rating
Thanks, so glad you loved it! We love your commitment to finding all the right ingredients, sorry it was such a pain to google all of that\! |
| Shard | 37 (laksa) |
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| Unparsed URL | com,themodernproper!/swedish-meatballs s443 |