Swedish Meatballs With Rich Gravy Recipe

Introduction

Swedish meatballs are a beloved comfort food, featuring tender meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy. This classic dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a satisfying meal that warms the soul.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (can substitute with ground pork, chicken, or turkey)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
• 1 large egg (fresh egg for optimal results)
• 1 small onion, diced (shallots can be used as a substitute)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh or powdered garlic works)
• 2 cups vegetable or beef stock (low-sodium varieties recommended)
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (swap with olive oil for a lighter option)
• 1 cup spinach, sautéed (for serving)
• 1 cup peas, sautéed (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the texture is slightly tacky but not too wet. Shape the mixture into even meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. When hot, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside; they will finish cooking in the gravy.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then pour in the vegetable or beef stock and add the butter, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend the flavors.
4. Step 4: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, coating them well with the gravy. Let everything simmer together for 10 to 15 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and infused with the rich sauce.
5. Step 5: Serve the meatballs and gravy over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Add sautéed spinach and peas on the side to complete this hearty, comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, soak the breadcrumbs in a little milk before mixing them into the meat.
• Try using a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the meat mixture for a traditional Swedish touch.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and low-sodium stock to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water if the gravy thickens too much. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground pork, chicken, or turkey depending on your preference. Mixing meats can also enhance flavor and texture.

What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?

Swedish meatballs are great with buttered noodles, steamed rice, or even creamy polenta. Choose a side that soaks up the delicious gravy well.

Swedish Meatballs With Rich Gravy Recipe

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This classic Swedish Meatballs recipe delivers tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a rich, savory gravy. Made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and aromatics, then simmered to perfection in a buttery stock-based sauce, these meatballs offer comforting warmth and a satisfying texture. Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice with sautéed spinach and peas for a complete, traditional meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Swedish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb Ground Beef (can substitute with ground pork, chicken, or turkey)
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
• 1 large Egg (fresh egg for optimal results)
• 1 small Onion, diced (shallots can be used as a substitute)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh or powdered garlic works)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

For the Gravy

• 2 cups Vegetable or Beef Stock (low-sodium varieties recommended)
• 2 tbsp Butter or Olive Oil (swap with olive oil for a lighter option)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced (for sautéing)

For Serving

• 1 cup Spinach, sautéed
• 1 cup Peas, sautéed
• Mashed Potatoes, Rice, or Noodles (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the texture is slightly tacky but not overly wet, which will help the meatballs hold together well.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into even-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter to ensure uniform cooking.
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Once the skillet is hot, add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for approximately 8-10 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic for Gravy: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Make the Gravy: Pour in the vegetable or beef stock and add butter while stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together into a rich sauce.
6. Simmer Meatballs in Gravy: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are well coated with the gravy. Allow them to simmer together for an additional 10-15 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and infused with the luscious sauce.
7. Serve: Ladle the meatballs and gravy over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Serve with sautéed spinach and peas on the side for a balanced and comforting meal.

Notes

• Ground beef can be substituted with ground pork, chicken, or turkey depending on preference.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• You can use shallots instead of onions for a milder flavor.
• Low-sodium stock is recommended to control salt levels in the dish.
• The gravy can be made lighter by using olive oil instead of butter.
• Ensure meatballs are not too wet to avoid falling apart during cooking.
• Serve with mashed potatoes, noodles, or rice to soak up the flavorful gravy.

Keywords: Swedish meatballs, meatballs with gravy, comfort food, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, classic Swedish dish, meatballs in sauce