Swedish Meatballs With Rich Gravy Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into even-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter to ensure uniform cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
