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Cozy Swedish Meatballs Recipe with Creamy Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

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A comforting and easy-to-make Swedish meatballs recipe featuring tender meatballs in a rich creamy gravy served with buttery mashed potatoes. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
  • 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (Panko preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter or oil for frying
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for gravy)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (480 ml) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or sour cream
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for gravy)
  • 2 lbs (900 g) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for mashed potatoes)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, warmed (for mashed potatoes)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for mashed potatoes)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture (10-15 minutes): In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, and minced garlic. Soak breadcrumbs in milk for about 5 minutes. Add soaked breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg to the meat mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the Meatballs (5-10 minutes): Wet hands with cold water and roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches diameter). Place on a tray or plate.
  3. Brown the Meatballs (10 minutes): Heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides in batches, about 7-8 minutes total per batch. Remove and set aside.
  4. Make the Creamy Gravy (10-15 minutes): In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes until light golden. Slowly whisk in beef broth, scraping browned bits. Add cream and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Simmer Meatballs in Gravy (10 minutes): Return meatballs to skillet with gravy. Cover and simmer gently for 10 minutes until cooked through and tender.
  6. Prepare Mashed Potatoes (20 minutes): Boil peeled and chopped potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to pot. Add butter and warm milk, mash until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve: Spoon mashed potatoes onto plates, top with meatballs and creamy gravy. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs well for flavor and texture. If gravy is too thick, whisk in broth or milk; if too thin, simmer longer. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs accordingly. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and plant-based milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish meatballs, creamy gravy, mashed potatoes, comfort food, easy dinner, family recipe