The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Recipe     (2024)

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If you’re looking for the best Swedish meatballs and gravy recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This easy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. Plus, the gravy is simply delicious.

Do you love comfort food? Then you’re going to love this easy meatballs and gravy recipe. It’s perfect for a chilly winter evening, and it’s so easy to make that even novice cooks can handle it. Best of all, it’ll fill your kitchen with the warm and cozy aroma of home cooking. So, grab some meatballs and let’s get started

This is definitely one of our favorite recipes. Plus, it’s really easy to make.

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The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Recipe (1)

Baked Swedish Meatballs and Gravy – Dump and Go Recipe

Today, I baked this recipe and used frozen meatballs. Therefore, it was a fantastic dump and go recipe.

Just add the meatballs, make the gravy in a few minutes, pour the rich creamy gravy over the meatballs. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Making the Meatballs

As I mentioned, you could use frozen meatballs for this recipe. However, you can also make your own homemade meatball mixture. If you choose to make your own, here is my go-to recipe for the meat mixture.

This recipe will make enough meatballs for about 4 servings. Today, I made enough for 12 people, so you would need to triple the ingredients for 12 people.

  • one pound of lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Take the meatball mixture and make large or mini meatballs. I like to use a cookie scoop to help me form uniform meatballs. It seems for us that 1-inch or 2-inch balls are perfect for most recipes.

Brown the meatballs in a skillet that has melted butter or a bit of olive oil in the bottom to keep the meatballs mixture from sticking. Brown on all sides and continue to cook on low until cooked through; about 10 minutes total.

Time-Saving Tip. Make a double batch of meatballs.Make mini meatballs. Once browned and cooked through, cool to room temperature. Then place in a freezer bag and freeze. They will keep in the freezer up to 4 months. When you are ready to use, just add to the recipe.

The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Recipe (2)

Making the Creamy Gravy

This recipe for creamy gravy is simple and straightforward, using ingredients that you probably have on hand.

1 Cup Heavy Cream

3 Tablespoons Cornstarch

2 Cups Water

2 Teaspoons Beef Bouillon I use Better than Beef Bouillon

In a small bowl, add the heavy cream and the corn starch and whisk until combined, set aside.

In a medium saucepan, heat the water and beef bouillon to boiling. If you have homemade beef broth, you can use that in place of the water and beef bouillon. Slowly add the cream mixture, whisking constantly until well combined. Generally, 1-2 minutes. The gravy will start to thicken. The gravy is ready to pour over the meatballs.

Baking Swedish Meatballs

I baked the Swedish Meatballs in Gravy today. Just spray a 9 X 13 pan with nonstick spray, add the frozen meatballs and pour over the rich beef gravy. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Recipe (3)

Make the Meatballs and Gravy in a Slow Cooker

Just add the frozen meatballs and gravy to a slow cooker andcook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1 ½ hours. Just until everything is hot and bubbly.

Quick and Easy Swedish Meatballs in a Skillet

Make this recipe even faster using a skillet. If you make this recipe using fresh meatballs, make the gravy right in the skillet. Add the meatballs back in and cook 1-2 minutes.

If you are using frozen meatballs, I like to make the gravy, add the meatballs and cook on low heat in a large skillet with the lid on. Once the meatballs are warmed through, they are ready to eat. This should take about 15-20 minutes.

The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Recipe (4)

Meatball Appetizers

These mini bites are perfect to serve as an easy appetizer for a party, football game day, or an easy relaxing Sunday snack day.

What to Serve with The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy

Our whole family loves this simple recipe with a wide variety of side dishes. We love this served over egg noodles, rich and creamy mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, green beans, peas and carrots, or even white rice.

Meatball Recipes

If you are like me, making meatball recipes at home is a delicious, quick, and easy way to feel your whole family. Here are a few of our favorites.

Meatball Marinara Sub

This cheesy meatball casserole has melty cheese and marinara sauce.

Easy Meatball and Ravioli Casserole

How Long Will Meatballs Last?

These meatballs are a perfect make ahead recipe. You can cook the meatballs and gravy, cool to room temperature and place in airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer up to 4 months.

When you are ready to use, just heat and serve.

The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Recipe (5)

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The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Recipe

If you’re looking for the best Swedish meatballs recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This easy dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. Plus, the gravy is simply delicious.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr

Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: casserole recipe, Comfort food, easy appetizer, ground beef recipe, restaurant food

Servings: 12 Servings

Calories: 374kcal

Ingredients

  • 48 Ounces Meatballs frozen or homemade
  • 1 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
  • 2 Cups Water
  • 2 Teaspoons Beef Bouillon I use Better than Bouillon Soup Base

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add the heavy cream and the corn starch and whisk until combined, set aside.

    1 Cup Heavy Cream, 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch

  • In a medium saucepan, heat the water and beef bouillon to boiling. If you have homemade beef broth, you can use that in place of the water and beef bouillon. Slowly add the cream mixture, whisking constantly until well combined. Generally, 1-2 minutes. The gravy will start to thicken. The gravy is ready to pour over the meatballs.

    2 Cups Water, 2 Teaspoons Beef Bouillon

Baking Swedish Meatballs

  • I baked the Swedish Meatballs in Gravy today. Just spray a 9 X 13 pan with nonstick spray, add the frozen meatballs and pour over the rich beef gravy. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

    48 Ounces Meatballs

Make the Meatballs and Gravy in a Slow Cooker

  • Just add the frozen meatballs and gravy to a slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1 ½ hours. Just until everything is hot and bubbly.

Quick and Easy Swedish Meatballs in a Skillet

  • Make this recipe even faster using a skillet. If you make this recipe using fresh meatballs, make the gravy right in the skillet. Add the meatballs back in and cook 1-2 minutes.

  • If you are using frozen meatballs, I like to make the gravy, add the meatballs, and cook on low heat in a large skillet with the lid on. Once the meatballs are warmed through, they are ready to eat. This should take about 15-20 minutes.

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Recipe Video

Homemade Meatball Mixture

This recipe will make enough meatballs for about 4 servings. Today, I made enough for 12 people, so you would need to triple the ingredients for 12 people.
• one pound of lean ground beef
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

Take the meatball mixture and make large or mini meatballs. I like to use a cookie scoop to help me form uniform meatballs. It seems for us that 1-inch or 2-inch balls are perfect for most recipes.

Brown the meatballs in a skillet that has melted butter or a bit of olive oil in the bottom to keep the meatballs mixture from sticking. Brown on all sides and continue to cook on low until cooked through; about 10 minutes total.

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 109mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 341mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 299IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

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The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Recipe (10)

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You can find Victoria crocheting, quilting, and creating recipes. She has cooked in restaurants for over 20 years, including many larger parties. She learned to crochet when she was just 11 years old and has been crocheting ever since; over 50 years now. Over 40 years ago, she loved her first class in sewing and continues to hone her skills in quilting. Many have enjoyed the handmade gifts over the years. In her professional career, she has worked in management in a wide variety of businesses including higher education as a dean of a division. All the while attending college part-time to achieve her doctorate in higher education with an emphasis in e-learning.

The Best Swedish Meatballs and Gravy Recipe     (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret of a tender meatball? ›

Egg and breadcrumbs are common mix-ins to add moisture and tenderness. Another binder option that people swear by is a panade, which is fresh or dry breadcrumbs that have been soaked in milk. “The soaked breadcrumbs help keep the proteins in the meat from shrinking,” as food writer Tara Holland explained in the Kitchn.

How do you keep Swedish meatballs from falling apart? ›

Eggs: Eggs help bind the meatballs together so they don't fall apart. They also help keep the meatballs soft and tender. Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs are almost always used in meatball recipes because they absorb the fat and, along with the eggs, serve as a binder.

What is the trick to keeping meatballs together? ›

How to make meatballs that won't fall apart
  1. Massage your meat. True story. ...
  2. Add breadcrumbs. Add breadcrumbs to the mixture, but not too many breadcrumbs. ...
  3. Add egg. ...
  4. Don't add much apart from meat. ...
  5. Roll your meatballs in flour. ...
  6. Give your meatballs space. ...
  7. Shake your meatballs. ...
  8. Brown your meatballs first.
Mar 3, 2022

What is the Swedish meatball scandal? ›

Czech authorities alerted the discount furniture maker that they had found horsemeat in a sample of meatballs, and Ikea subsequently pulled the product from stores in 14 countries.

What makes Swedish meatballs special? ›

If you're wondering what's so special about Swedish Meatballs, or what they taste like, close your eyes and imagine this: incredibly soft meatballs, made extra juicy by using a combination of both pork and beef and soaked bread instead of breadcrumbs, lightly spiced with just a touch of nutmeg and all spice that gives ...

What is the best binder for meatballs? ›

You can use eggs, breadcrumbs, grated or creamy cheeses (think ricotta or feta here), ground nuts, or a mixture of these ingredients to bind the balls and help them stay together while you cook them and as you eat them—no one wants a meatball that breaks apart all over the plate.

Do meatballs get more tender the longer they cook in sauce? ›

As the collagen in the meat dissolves over time, it transforms into gelatin, which not only adds a silky texture to the sauce but also contributes to the overall richness and depth of flavor. The longer the simmer, the more tender and succulent the meatballs become.

Is it better to fry or bake meatballs? ›

Baking will result in meatballs with a crunchy exterior, though the caramelisation achieved from frying will be superior. Baked meatballs take the least amount of effort, as you'll only need to turn them once or twice throughout the cook and you can make a larger batch at once.

What not to do when making meatballs? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Meatballs
  1. Not seasoning the meat.
  2. Not adding any moisture to the meat.
  3. Over-mixing the meat.
  4. Not shaping the meatballs correctly.
  5. Not forming evenly-sized meatballs.
May 1, 2019

What is a fun fact about Swedish meatballs? ›

Sweden has now revealed that the recipe for its iconic dish actually came from Turkey. It was brought to the Scandinavian country by King Charles XII, who lived in exile in the Ottoman Empire in the early 18th-century. Unlike in Turkey, Swedes — and Ikea — often dish up meatballs with gravy and ligonberry jam.

Should I roll my meatballs in flour before baking? ›

A traditional size for this sort of meatball is 2 to 3 inches across, but you can make them any size you want. Once you roll the meatball in your hands, roll it in the flour to give it a good coating. Set each one on a baking sheet as you work.

What does adding milk to meatballs do? ›

When it comes to adding liquid to meatball mixtures, milk is often used for its versatility, depth of flavor, and richness. Without the use of milk, you may be faced with a plate of dry meatballs. Milk adds a certain level of moisture that helps produce perfectly tender meatballs.

Is it better to use milk or water in meatballs? ›

Milk, definitely. Water doesn't add flavor or fat, so it detracts from the finished meatballs. If I don't have milk, or I'm making them for people who don't eat milk with meat (a significant portion of my family keeps kosher) I use beef or chicken stock. It adds moisture and flavor, which is what you want.

What does Bobby Flay put in his meatballs? ›

Ingredients
  1. Deselect All.
  2. 2 tablespoons, plus 1 cup pure olive oil.
  3. 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped.
  4. 2 large eggs.
  5. 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley.
  6. 1/3 pound ground chuck.
  7. 1/2 pound ground veal.
  8. 1/2 pound ground pork butt.

What is Ikea gravy made from? ›

Iconic Swedish cream sauce:

Melt 40g butter in a pan. Whisk in 40g of plain flour and stir for two mins. Add 150mL of veg stock and 150mL of beef stock and continue to stir. Add 150mL of double cream, 2 tsp of soy sauce and 1 tsp of Dijon mustard.

What is the IKEA gravy called? ›

ALLEMANSRÄTTEN Mix for cream sauce.

What's the difference between sausage and country gravy? ›

The main difference is that country gravy does not have sausage. Country gravy uses butter to make its roux, while sausage gravy uses the rendered fat from the meat, cooked with flour, to thicken the gravy. Check out Ree Drummond's recipe for country gravy which she serves alongside chicken fried steak.

What is gravy browning made of? ›

Made from caramel, molasses and spices, gravy browning is used for giving gravies in England an appetising brown colour. It comes as a dark-brown liquid or powder. It was popular in the first half of the twentieth century, but is not widely used nowadays. Do not confuse gravy browning with gravy powder.

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