If you have ever dreamed of a cozy, soul-warming meal that brings comfort and sophistication all on one plate, then this Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy and Noodles Recipe is your new best friend. These tender, flavorful meatballs swim in a luscious, creamy gravy that perfectly hugs every bite of tender noodles beneath. It’s a perfect balance of spices like nutmeg and allspice, the savory depth from beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, and the subtle tang of sour cream that makes this dish utterly irresistible. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together into something spectacularly comforting and absolutely crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy and Noodles Recipe is straightforward but crucial, each playing its part in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the blend of ground meats to the warm spices and creamy gravy components, these essentials are what make the dish exceptional.
- Lean ground beef (84–93%): Provides savory richness and a firm texture to the meatballs.
- Ground pork or country-style sausage: Adds juiciness and subtle seasoning depth.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Lightens the meatball mixture and helps keep it tender.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and a touch of tanginess to boost flavor complexity.
- Large eggs: Act as a binder to hold the meatballs together perfectly.
- Ground allspice and nutmeg: Infuse warm, quintessential Scandinavian spice notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Season and enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
- Olive oil: Essential for browning the meatballs to get that flavorful crust.
- Salted butter: Creates a rich base for the gravy, adding creaminess and depth.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to that perfect silky consistency.
- Beef broth: The hearty backbone of the gravy’s savory goodness.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess with a slight tang that elevates the whole dish.
- Cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes: Your cozy canvas for serving, soaking up every bit of that delicious gravy.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by combining the ground beef, ground pork or sausage, panko breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything gently but thoroughly until fully combined. Then, shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. This size allows them to stay juicy on the inside while getting beautifully browned on the outside.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through. Be patient and don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps form that delicious crust. Transfer each batch to a plate and set aside while you focus on the star of the next phase: the gravy.
Step 3: Create the Rich Gravy Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, nutmeg, and allspice to make a roux. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove that raw flour taste but keeping the roux golden and fragrant. This step builds the thick, silky body of your gravy that makes everything so indulgent.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, combining everything into a smooth mixture. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens beautifully. This slow simmer is what infuses the gravy with deep, comforting notes.
Step 5: Finish the Gravy and Combine
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream carefully until the gravy is silky and rich. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Return the cooked meatballs into the skillet, nestling them gently into the gravy. Let everything warm through together for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to become best friends.
Step 6: Serve with Noodles or Potatoes
Plate the meatballs on a bed of cooked egg noodles or fluffy mashed potatoes. The noodles or potatoes will soak up the rich gravy, making each bite luscious and satisfying. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a splash of color and freshness.
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green pop that contrasts beautifully with the creamy brown gravy. You can also consider a dusting of ground allspice or a few sprigs of fresh thyme for an aromatic twist that complements the warm spices in the meatballs.
Side Dishes
Classic buttered egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate traditional companions to this dish. For a lighter side, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts bring freshness and a crisp texture to balance the creamy richness of the meatballs and gravy.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, try serving individual meatballs skewered with a toothpick alongside bite-sized portions of buttery noodles. Another fun approach is layering the meatballs and gravy in mini casserole dishes topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and broiled for a golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftover Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy and Noodles Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen after a day.
Freezing
You can freeze the meatballs and gravy separately or together. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring there’s space for expansion. Frozen, they last up to 3 months. To avoid a watery gravy upon thawing, reheat gently and stir well.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to refresh the sauce’s texture. Stir frequently to maintain that creamy consistency and prevent scorching.
FAQs
Can I use all beef instead of beef and pork?
Absolutely! While mixing beef and pork gives a wonderful balance of flavor and moisture, using just beef will still yield tasty meatballs. Consider adding a bit more fat or a splash of olive oil if you opt for very lean beef.
What’s the secret to making the meatballs tender?
The panko breadcrumbs and eggs are key to tenderness, so don’t skip them. Also, gentle mixing—not overworking the meat—and cooking meatballs just until done helps keep them juicy.
Can I make the gravy without sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or heavy cream. Just add a little at a time and taste as you go to avoid curdling and maintain that rich tang.
How do I prevent the gravy from becoming lumpy?
Making a proper roux first and whisking in the broth slowly helps create a smooth gravy. Stir constantly and bring it to a gentle simmer to allow it to thicken evenly.
Are egg noodles traditional for this dish?
Egg noodles are a classic choice because their texture soaks up the gravy perfectly. However, mashed potatoes or even rice can be equally delicious depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy and Noodles Recipe feels like inviting you into my kitchen for a warm, satisfying hug of a meal. It’s one of those dishes that brings comfort, joy, and a smile with every bite. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, I promise you’ll find it as delightful and timeless as I have. So grab your apron, get cooking, and enjoy the cozy magic of this classic dish!
Print
Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
Classic Swedish Meatballs served in a rich, creamy gravy made with a fragrant blend of allspice and nutmeg. These tender meatballs are made from a mix of ground beef and pork, cooked to perfection, and simmered in a velvety sour cream gravy. Perfectly paired with egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (84–93%)
- 2 lbs ground pork or country-style sausage
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Gravy
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- 8 cups beef broth
- 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1⅓ cups sour cream
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
For Serving
- 2 lbs cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, ground pork or sausage, panko breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Roll the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Carefully add the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning gently to avoid breaking them, and continue cooking until they are cooked through. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Gravy Base: Using the same skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour along with the ground nutmeg and allspice to create a smooth roux. Cook the roux for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste and develop a nutty aroma.
- Thicken the Gravy: Gradually whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into the roux, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the gravy thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Finish the Gravy and Combine: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sour cream until the gravy is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and gently stir to coat them in the gravy. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the gravy for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs and creamy gravy hot over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Ensure meatballs are evenly sized to cook uniformly.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet while browning meatballs to get a good sear.
- You can substitute ground pork with country-style sausage for added flavor.
- If the gravy becomes too thick, thin it with a little additional beef broth.
- For a lighter option, reduce the amount of butter or use low-fat sour cream.
- The gravy must be stirred continuously after adding sour cream to prevent curdling.
- Swedish meatballs can be prepared ahead and reheated gently in the gravy before serving.
