Our full guide on how to make homemade Swedish meatballs one of the most popular dishes in the Scandinavian countries.
Swedish meatballs, known as Köttbullar in Sweden, are a beloved dish characterized by their flavorful, tender meatballs and creamy sauce. Here’s a detailed recipe guide, along with tips and calorie information.
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How to Make Homemade Swedish Meatballs
Homemade Swedish Meatballs Recipe Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the Sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
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Step By Step How to Make Homemade Swedish Meatballs
Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
Add the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, egg, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Cook the Meatballs
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
Gradually add the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through and smooth.
Combine and Serve
Return the meatballs to the skillet and coat them with the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to heat through.
Serve hot, traditionally with mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, or steamed vegetables.
Tips To Make Homemade Swedish Meatballs
Mix the meat mixture gently to avoid overworking it, which can make the meatballs tough. Make the meatballs uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more broth or cream to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
Serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce for a traditional Swedish meal. You can also serve with noodles or rice.
How Many Calories Have Homemade Swedish Meatballs
Ground Beef (1 lb): Approximately 960 calories
Ground Pork (1/2 lb): Approximately 520 calories
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Approximately 200 calories
Milk (1/4 cup): Approximately 30 calories
Onion (1 small): Approximately 20 calories
Egg (1): Approximately 70 calories
Butter for Frying (2 tablespoons): Approximately 200 calories
Total Calories for Meatballs: Approximately 2,000 calories
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.