Print

Swedish Meatballs Recipe Easy Homemade Dinner with Lingonberry Sauce

Swedish meatballs recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

Tender, juicy Swedish meatballs are simmered in a creamy, aromatic sauce and served with tart lingonberry jam for a comforting, classic Scandinavian dinner. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for cozy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.1 lbs (500g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) plain or homemade breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp (28g) olive oil or unsalted butter (for pan-frying)
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) low-sodium beef broth or stock
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 tsp (5ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • Kosher salt & black pepper (to taste, for sauce)
  • 1/2 cup (120g) lingonberry jam, plus extra for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes until the mixture resembles thick oatmeal.
  2. Finely grate the onion and mince the garlic. Add both to the breadcrumb-milk mixture.
  3. Add ground beef, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and parsley (if using). Mix gently until just combined.
  4. With damp hands, form the mixture into 1-inch balls (about 20-24 meatballs).
  5. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
  6. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
  7. Slowly add beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Whisk in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. If desired, stir in 1-2 tbsp lingonberry jam. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Return meatballs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, turning once, until cooked through (160°F internal temperature). Add more broth or cream if sauce thickens too much.
  10. Serve meatballs and sauce hot, topped with parsley and extra lingonberry jam. Pair with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice.

Notes

For extra tender meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. If the mixture is sticky, chill before shaping. Use a mix of beef and pork for classic flavor, or substitute turkey/chicken for a lighter version. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations work well. Leftovers keep for 4 days in the fridge or freeze well for up to 3 months. Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, and always with lingonberry jam for authentic flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish meatballs, lingonberry sauce, comfort food, Scandinavian, easy dinner, homemade meatballs, creamy sauce, family meal, weeknight dinner, IKEA meatballs

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/swedish-meatballs-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner-with-lingonberry-sauce/