15 The Best Swedish Meatball Recipes The Recipe Critic Deliciousness Awaits You!

1. Classic Swedish Meatballs

One of the most iconic Swedish meatball recipes is the classic version. These creamy and flavorful meatballs are usually served with a rich gravy and lingonberry jam. The key to achieving the perfect texture and taste is to use a combination of ground beef and pork. This recipe also calls for breadcrumbs and heavy cream, which gives the meatballs a tender and moist consistency. Serve these homemade meatballs with mashed potatoes and pickled cucumbers for a traditional Swedish meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• Lingonberry jam for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, heavy cream, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides.
4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the flour and stir until it turns into a paste.
5. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
6. Add the meatballs back to the skillet and let them simmer in the gravy for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Serve the Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam and enjoy!

2. Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs

If you're looking for a meat-free version of this classic dish, then this recipe is for you. These plant-based meatballs are made with quinoa, cannellini beans, and mushrooms, giving them a hearty and satisfying texture. They are also flavored with soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce, which adds a savory and umami taste. These vegetarian Swedish meatballs are perfect for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
• 1 can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 8 ounces of mushrooms, chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon rosemary
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the quinoa, cannellini beans, mushrooms, onion, garlic, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Pulse until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is sticky.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and serve with your favorite side dishes or sauces.

3. Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake

For a twist on the classic Swedish meatball recipe, try this delicious and easy pasta bake. It combines the flavors of Swedish meatballs with penne pasta and creamy cheese sauce. The meatballs are baked in the oven with the pasta, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a perfectly balanced dish. This Swedish meatball pasta bake is a comfort food favorite that will have your family asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, heavy cream, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
2. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until it turns into a paste.
5. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
6. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of cooked penne pasta. Add a layer of meatballs on top of the pasta, followed by a layer of cheese sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese sauce on top.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top of the pasta bake.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve and enjoy your Swedish meatball pasta bake!