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–+ servings

Swedish Meatballs

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This family recipe for Swedish Meatballs has a creamy sauce and a hint of nutmeg to give them their distinctive flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups soft bread crumbs
  • ⅔ cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons minced onion
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 egg, slightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt and white pepper, to taste
  • Freshly chopped parsley or chives, for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • In a large bowl, soak breadcrumbs with ⅔ cup milk for 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a small sauté pan and cook the onion over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  • Add the ground beef, salt, nutmeg, paprika and beaten eggs to the breadcrumb mixture along with the cooled onion. Mix well.
  • Using a small cookie scoop or 2 spoons, form small balls out of the meat mixture and place on parchment-lined baking sheets.
  • Bake the meatballs for 12-15 minutes until brown.
  • In a large sauté pan or skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and sprinkle with the flour. Cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes until all of the flour has been absorbed.
  • Slowly pour the 1 cup milk into the pan, stirring constantly but carefully so that the meatballs do not break apart.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Uncover the meatballs and stir, adding a little more milk if needed for a thinner sauce. Season to taste with salt and white pepper. Serve the meatballs sprinkled with parsley or chives alongside potatoes, lingonberries and pickled cucumbers.

Notes

Tips for Success:

  • After baking the meatballs, they may be cooled and frozen at this point in an airtight container in a single layer or in ziplock bags placed flat in the freezer.  Thaw and finish with the sauce.
  • When reheating the meatballs, add a bit of milk to loosen up the sauce.
  • To make the Swedish Meatballs gluten-free, try using gluten free bread for the crumbs.
Course: Appetizer, Brunch, Holiday, Main Course
Cuisine: Scandinavian, Swedish
Keyword: Swedish Meatballs
Servings: 6