Swedish meatballs and sauce are a classic and beloved dish, bringing together the rich flavors of meat and savory sauce. This recipe will guide you through making the perfect Swedish meatballs and sauce, so you can enjoy this traditional Scandinavian dish in the comfort of your own home. From the flavorful seasoning of the meatballs to the creamy and tangy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. So, put on your apron and let's get cooking!
Ingredients for Swedish Meatballs
1. Ground Beef
Swedish meatballs are traditionally made with a mix of ground beef and pork, giving them a rich and hearty flavor. You can use lean or regular ground beef, depending on your preference.
2. Ground Pork
As mentioned, ground pork is an essential ingredient in Swedish meatballs. It adds a juicy and tender texture to the meatballs and complements the beef perfectly.
3. Onion and Garlic
To add more depth and flavor to the meatballs, you'll need to finely chop some onion and garlic. These aromatic ingredients will give the meatballs a delicious kick.
4. Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are used as a binder in the meatballs and help keep them moist and tender. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, depending on what you have on hand.
5. Egg
An egg is also added to the meat mixture to help bind everything together and prevent the meatballs from falling apart during cooking.
6. Spices
No Swedish meatball would be complete without a blend of classic spices. Mix in some
dried parsley, allspice, nutmeg, and black pepper to give your meatballs that signature flavor.
7. Salt
Don't forget to add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors of the meat and spices.
8. Butter
Butter is used for frying the meatballs and adds a rich and buttery taste to the dish.
9. Olive Oil
For a healthier option, you can use olive oil instead of butter for frying.
Ingredients for Swedish Sauce
1. Beef Broth
The base of the sauce is made with beef broth, which adds a savory and rich flavor to the dish.
2. Heavy Cream
Heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy and indulgent texture. You can use half and half for a lighter option.
3. Worcestershire Sauce
This tangy and slightly sweet sauce is a key ingredient in Swedish sauce and adds a unique flavor to the dish.
4. Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess and depth of flavor to the sauce.
5. Lingonberry Jam
A classic pairing with Swedish meatballs, lingonberry jam adds a hint of sweetness and tartness to the sauce. You can substitute with cranberry sauce if you can't find lingonberry jam.
6. Salt and Pepper
As with the meatballs, don't forget to season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs and Sauce
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, spices, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, form the meat mixture into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
3. Fry the Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add beef broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and lingonberry jam. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Add the meatballs back to the skillet with the sauce and let them simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with some fresh parsley and enjoy your homemade Swedish meatballs and sauce!
The combination of juicy and flavorful meatballs with tangy and creamy sauce makes Swedish meatballs and sauce a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. Plus, the recipe is simple and easy to follow, so you can make it anytime you're craving a taste of Scandinavia.