Swedish Meatballs Recipe with Gravy

5 from 4 votes

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This Swedish Meatballs Recipe with Gravy is made with ground beef and lamb, spices and fresh herbs. The creamy, savory gravy is amazing poured on top and served over mashed potatoes, noodles or steamed rice.

A close up of a plate of fSaucy swedish Meatball


Swedish Meatballs Recipe with Gravy

Swedish Meatballs are one of those comfort food dishes that have quite a few variations out there like the infamous Ikea Swedish meatballs.

When the feeling hits me for one of my favorite comfort foods, meatballs, these are one that’s near the top of my list to make. Speaking of comfort food, this Salisbury Steak recipe always hits the spot, too!

Swedish Meatballs with Gravy

What’s the difference between a Swedish and Italian meatball?

Traditional Swedish meatballs typically use a beef and pork combination, but I enjoy lamb too, and it works well in this with the spices and fresh herbs. Feel free to substitute with more beef or pork if you prefer, but I hope you give this a try. The gravy or sauce if you prefer, is a white, rich and creamy one made with pan juices, flour and cream and sour cream.

Typically Italian meatballs are made using a ground beef and veal mix usually served with a savory, tomato based sauce using different herbs.

tray of meatballs

What is Swedish meatball sauce or gravy?

After the Swedish meatballs have been shaken and browned in the skillet set them aside, covered to stay warm.

browned meatballs in white bowl

For my Swedish meatball I add butter and diced shallots to the skillet that has the remaining oil and browned bits leftover from the sautéed meatballs. If you don’t have a shallot then use an onion. Worcestershire sauce, sherry and beef broth are added to the flour and sautéed shallots, then cream and sour cream are whisked in. It’s dreamy. Really, really good.

The browned meatballs go back in the sauce and get heated through.

Truth be told one of my favorite ways to serve these Swedish Meatballs is over very thin crispy, golden brown french fries, but feel free to spoon over mashed potatoes, noodles or steamed rice.

close up of Swedish Meatballs with Gravy in skillet

Lingonberry jam is also served along side these, also known as mountain cranberries or partridge berries in North America, and can be found at World Markets, Walmarts and on Amazon.

Swedish Meatballs with Gravy in a spoon
Still Hungry?

Subscribe to my Newsletter, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube for all my latest recipes and videos.

A close up of a plate of fSaucy swedish Meatball

Swedish Meatballs Recipe with Gravy

5 from 4 votes
These perfectly seasoned Swedish Meatballs with Gravy are made with ground beef and lamb, spices and fresh herbs. The rich, creamy, savory gravy is amazing poured on top and served over mashed potatoes, noodles or rice.
Servings: 6
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes

Ingredients 

Gravy

Instructions 

Meatballs:

  • In a small bowl add the breadcrumbs and milk. Toss to absorb and set aside.
  • Add the ground beef and lamb (See Note 1) to a large bowl. Add the egg, breadcrumb mixture, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg and half of the chopped parsley and dill. Mix together by hand until incorporated completely. 
  • Use a 2-inch scoop or a heaping tablespoon and roll into small balls. Makes 32 meatballs depending on size rolled. Set aside.
  • In a large frying pan add the olive oil and over medium heat sauté meatballs, shaking and turning until brown on all sides and cooked throughout. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil and set aside.

Gravy:

  • In same skillet add the butter and over medium heat sauté the shallot/onion for 3 minutes or until soft. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute more. Stir in the sherry, Worcestershire sauce, salt, broth, cream and sour cream. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook for several minutes until thickened. Add remaining parsley and dill. Stir to incorporate, season to taste.
  • Place meatballs in skillet, tossing to coat with sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Serve over mashed potatoes, noodles, rice or French fries.

Notes

  1. Feel free to substitute the ground lamb for ground pork or beef.

Nutrition

Calories: 624kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 50g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 174mg | Sodium: 938mg | Potassium: 504mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 685IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 3.7mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: Swedish
Have You Made This Recipe? Let Me Know on InstagramTag @keviniscooking or tag me #keviniscooking!

Kevin

Whether in the kitchen or on the grill, you’ll find me cooking American favorites with a love for BBQ, Mexican and Tex Mex. I’m passionate about making tasty food because life’s too short to be bland!

Free Bonus
5 Secrets to True Tex Mex
Essential recipes & tips for delicious Tex Mex cooking!

email image

Explore More

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Excellent! Made for our Thanksgiving day apps and now making for our New Years holiday party. Everybody loved the touch of Sherry!!

  2. 5 stars
    That beautiful gravy with the meatballs looks amazing, I agree that meatballs are one of the best comfort foods ever, nice touch with the fresh dill, now I know the difference between Italian and Swedish meatballs 🙂

  3. 5 stars
    These look so good, Kevin! Total comfort food and I would definitely need to enjoy these over some tatos with extra sauce 🙂