Swedish meatballs made with a mix of beef and pork, seasoned with allspice and cooked in a creamy gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and steamed vegetables for a classic comfort food dinner. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or holiday gatherings.

Classic Swedish meatballs made from a flavorful mix of beef and pork, pan-fried until golden, then simmered in a creamy, rich gravy. Serve with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and green vegetables for a comforting meal any day of the week.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

500 g (1.1 lbs) beef mince (ideally 20% fat)
250 g (0.5 lbs) pork mince
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
1 medium egg
5 tbsp (75 ml) full-fat milk
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp white pepper
¼ tsp ground allspice
2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil (for frying)

For the Sauce

3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp plain (all-purpose) flour
180 ml (¾ cup) beef stock
120 ml (½ cup) vegetable stock
120 ml (½ cup) double cream (heavy cream)
2 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp salt

To Serve

Creamy mashed potatoes
Lingonberry jam or redcurrant jelly
Steamed green vegetables (e.g., broccoli or green beans)
Finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mince, pork mince, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, salt, both peppers, and allspice. Mix with your hands until fully combined.
Form the Meatballs:
Shape the mixture into 18–22 small meatballs, ensuring they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.
Brown the Meatballs:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook half the meatballs, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Transfer to a tray. Repeat with the remaining oil and meatballs.
Finish Cooking in the Oven:
Place the tray of browned meatballs in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F fan) for 5–6 minutes to cook through while you make the sauce.
Make the Sauce:
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the beef stock, whisking continuously until smooth.
Complete the Sauce:
Stir in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Add the cream, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and salt. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Combine Meatballs with Sauce:
Return the meatballs to the pan along with any juices from the tray. Stir to coat and simmer for an additional 3–4 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve:
Spoon the meatballs over mashed potatoes with a side of green vegetables and a dollop of lingonberry jam. Garnish with fresh parsley and a little cracked black pepper.

Tips

Use fatty beef mince (around 20%) for tender, flavorful meatballs.
Chill the meatballs before frying if you want them to hold shape better.
Don’t skip the roux: It’s key to a smooth, rich sauce.
For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for an extra few minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

No pork? Use all beef or substitute turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
Breadcrumbs: Swap panko with fresh or dried breadcrumbs.
Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and cream alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Add fresh dill to the sauce for a Scandinavian twist.

FAQs

Can I make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. Store cooked meatballs and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

Can I freeze them?
Freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Is lingonberry jam necessary?
It’s traditional, but redcurrant jelly or cranberry sauce work well too.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.
Add steamed greens like broccoli or green beans for color and balance.
Serve with lingonberry jam or redcurrant jelly for a sweet contrast.
For a lighter meal, serve over cauliflower mash or rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Swedish meatballs are rich, tender, and packed with warm spices, all coated in a creamy gravy that’s comforting and flavorful. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this dish brings classic Nordic comfort food straight to your table.