Heavenly Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Sauce
A comforting dish of tender meatballs in a velvety creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef, juicy and flavorful
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs, for extra texture
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped finely for freshness
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice, adding warmth
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, for that cozy aroma
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped, introducing sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, for depth of flavor
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper, to enhance taste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, a necessary seasoning
- 1 egg binding agent for meatballs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for frying
- 1 tablespoon butter, adding richness
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter (for sauce), to create the creamy base
- 3 tablespoons flour, as a thickener for the sauce
- 2 cups beef broth, flavorful liquid gold
- 1 cup heavy cream, for a luxurious sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, for added umami
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, introducing a tangy note
- Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning the sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground beef, panko bread crumbs, parsley, ground allspice, nutmeg, onion, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and egg. Use your hands to mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Roll the mixture firmly into 12 large meatballs or 20 smaller ones, ensuring they hold together well.
Cooking Meatballs
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Allow the butter to melt and the oil to heat.
- Carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, cooking them for about 10-15 minutes. Turn them continuously to ensure they brown evenly and are cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
Making the Sauce
- For the creamy sauce, add the remaining four tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly until it turns golden brown.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard, bringing the mixture to a simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add the meatballs back into the skillet, allowing them to simmer in the creamy sauce for another 1-2 minutes.
Serving
- Serve your heavenly Swedish meatballs over a bed of egg noodles or rice for an authentic experience.
Notes
For a more pronounced flavor, consider adding a splash of beef broth while cooking the meatballs to enhance their juiciness. If you like it spicy, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika for an extra kick. Serve with a dollop of lingonberry jam on the side; this is a traditional pairing that balances the savory taste of the meatballs.