16 Cooks Illustrated Swedish Meatball Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
The Swedish meatball is a classic dish that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. It's rich, savory, and full of flavor, making it a staple in many households. However, finding the perfect Swedish meatball recipe can be a daunting task, with countless variations and techniques to choose from. But fear not, because Cook's Illustrated has done the research and developed a recipe that will have you making the best Swedish meatballs you've ever tasted. With a few key ingredients and some expert tips, you'll have a crowd-pleasing dish that will become a regular in your dinner rotation.
This is a classic homemade Swedish meatball recipe that is sure to become a family favorite. Tender meatballs are simmered in a rich and creamy gravy, packed with flavorful herbs and spices. Serve over mashed potatoes or noodles for the ultimate comfort food meal.
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Swedish Meatball Skillet
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Plain Dry Bread Crumbs, Milk, Eggs, Water
Take your Swedish meatballs to the next level with this easy one-pan skillet meal. Sautéed onions and mushrooms add a delicious depth of flavor to the creamy gravy, making this a hearty and satisfying dish.
If you love pasta and meatballs, then this creamy Swedish meatball pasta is a must-try. The tender meatballs are mixed with al dente pasta and smothered in a rich and tangy sauce that will have your taste buds singing.
No need to buy pre-made sauce when you can whip up this easy and delicious Swedish meatball sauce at home. Made with a blend of beef broth and creamy sour cream, this sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your homemade meatballs.
Even if you're short on time, you can still enjoy the delicious flavors of Swedish meatballs with this easy recipe. Using frozen meatballs and a few simple ingredients, you can have a hearty and flavorful meal on the table in no time.
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Swedish Meatball Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Butter, Broad Egg Noodles, Sour Cream
Warm up on a chilly day with a bowl of creamy Swedish meatball noodle soup. This comforting soup is loaded with tender meatballs, egg noodles, and vegetables, making it a complete meal in one bowl.
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IKEA’s Swedish Meatball (Knock-Off)…..Delicious!!
Main Ingredients: Breadcrumbs, Butter, White Onion, Garlic, Ground
For those who love the famous Swedish meatballs from IKEA, this knock-off recipe will satisfy your cravings. Made with a homemade creamy sauce and served with lingonberry jam, these meatballs are just as delicious as the ones you'll find at the furniture store.
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The Amazing Swedish Meatball
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Ground Pork, Chopped Onion, Bread Crumbs
This recipe lives up to its name and delivers on taste. These amazing Swedish meatballs are made with a blend of ground beef and pork, and are simmered in a creamy and flavorful gravy. Finish off with a sprinkle of parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
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Swedish Meatball Casserole
Main Ingredients: Egg Noodles, Butter, Sliced Mushrooms, Water, Brown
This hearty and satisfying casserole is the perfect dish for a cozy night in. Made with tender meatballs, creamy sauce, and egg noodles, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
If you're looking for a classic and authentic Swedish meatball recipe, look no further. This traditional recipe uses a blend of beef and pork for the meatballs, and is served with a creamy and tangy gravy that is full of flavor.
Switch up your usual chicken noodle soup with this delicious and comforting Swedish meatball soup. The addition of tender meatballs and hearty vegetables takes this soup to the next level and makes it a filling and satisfying meal.
If you can't make it to IKEA but still want to enjoy their famous meatballs, this recipe is for you. Made with a blend of beef and pork, these meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the creamy gravy is just as delicious as the original.
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Swedish Meatball Orzo
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Chopped Onion, Garlic, Garlic Salt
Orzo pasta adds a fun twist to this creamy and flavorful Swedish meatball dish. The tiny pasta is cooked in the rich and tangy sauce, making each bite burst with delicious flavors.
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Swedish Meatball Saute
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Turkey, Coconut Oil, Egg Noodles, Onion
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try this Swedish meatball saute. The meatballs are cooked in a creamy and flavorful sauce and served over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
If you love pasta bakes, then this Swedish meatball version is a must-try. Tender meatballs and egg noodles are smothered in a rich and creamy sauce and baked to perfection for a comforting and delicious meal.
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Easy Swedish Meatball Casserole
Main Ingredients: Egg Noodles, Frozen Meatballs, Olive Oil, Butter, Beef
This easy and delicious casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight. Frozen meatballs are combined with egg noodles and a creamy sauce, then baked to perfection for a hearty and comforting meal.
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Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake
Main Ingredients: Panko Bread Crumbs, Butter, Yellow Onion, Salt, Pepper
If you love the combination of meatballs and pasta, then you'll love this Swedish meatball pasta bake. The tender meatballs and al dente pasta are mixed with a creamy and flavorful sauce, then baked with a sprinkle of cheese for a delicious and satisfying meal.
This classic and authentic recipe is sure to impress. Made with a blend of beef and pork, these meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the creamy gravy is packed with delicious herbs and spices.
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Swedish Meatball Sloppy Joes
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Sliced Mushrooms, Fat Free Beef Broth
Put a twist on the classic sloppy joe with this Swedish meatball version. The tender meatballs and tangy sauce are served on buns for a satisfying and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
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Swedish Meatball Mac and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Swedish Style Meatballs, Elbow Macaroni, Butter, Flour
Mac and cheese gets a Swedish twist with this creamy and delicious recipe. The tender meatballs are mixed with pasta and a creamy sauce, then topped with a sprinkle of bread crumbs for added texture and flavor.
The Key to Perfect Swedish Meatballs
When it comes to making the perfect Swedish meatballs, the key is all in the ingredients. Cook’s Illustrated has tested and refined their recipe to ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor. The main ingredients you'll need are ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, onion, milk, eggs, and spices. However, it's not just about the ingredients themselves, but also how they are used in the recipe.
The Importance of Mixing and Chilling
One of the secrets to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in Swedish meatballs is the mixing process. Cook’s Illustrated recommends using a stand mixer to blend the ground beef and pork, along with the other ingredients, until well combined. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and creates a tender and moist meatball.
After mixing, the next crucial step is chilling the mixture for at least an hour before shaping the meatballs. This allows the flavors to develop and also helps the meatballs hold their shape while cooking. Chilling is a key step that is often overlooked in many recipes, but it makes all the difference in the final result.
The Secret to a Rich and Creamy Sauce
No Swedish meatball is complete without a delicious, creamy sauce to go with it. Cook’s Illustrated has perfected their sauce recipe to complement the meatballs perfectly. The secret ingredient? Beef broth. This adds a depth of flavor to the sauce that is often missing in other recipes. Additionally, the sauce is thickened with a roux, a mixture of butter and flour, creating a velvety texture that coats the meatballs beautifully.
In conclusion, Cook’s Illustrated Swedish meatball recipe is a tried and true method that produces the most delicious and flavorful meatballs. The attention to detail in ingredients and techniques makes all the difference in creating a dish that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. So next time you're craving Swedish meatballs, give this recipe a try and taste the difference for yourself.
