Swedish meatballs and noodles is a cozy stovetop dinner with tender meatballs in a creamy, savory gravy. It’s a comforting family meal that comes together in about 30 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love These Easy Swedish Meatballs
I come from a long line of wonderful cooks, and food has always been a big part of our family. Many of my favorite childhood memories revolve around meals shared around the table, especially recipes from my grandmas, Rose and Eve, who each brought their own delicious ideas to the kitchen.
These meatballs are one of those comforting dishes that’s perfect for a chilly Sunday evening but easy enough for a weeknight too. Everything cooks right on the stovetop, so there’s no need to turn on the oven. I grew up eating these saucy meatballs with boiled or mashed potatoes, but serving them over egg noodles is just as delicious and a little less work. Some reasons to love this recipe:
- Cozy and comforting
- Rich, savory gravy
- One-pan dinner
- Ready in 40 minutes
Ingredient Information And Substitutions
- Ground beef- I prefer a 90/10 mix. This creates juicy meatballs without too much grease. Ground turkey or a mixture of beef and pork also works well.
- Plain bread crumbs- Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender. Panko can be used for extra texture.
- Egg- Binds everything together.
- Avocado oil- Used for browning the meatballs. Olive oil or butter works too.
- Onion- Adds savory depth to the gravy. Yellow or white onions both work.
- Flour- Thickens the sauce. A gluten-free flour blend can also be used. I like King Arthur's 1:1 Gluten Free Flour.
- Beef broth- Creates the rich base of the gravy. You can also use vegetable broth for a similar savory base.
- Sour cream- Adds creaminess and a slight tang. Greek yogurt can be substituted if needed, though it may be a bit tangier.
- Nutmeg- A classic ingredient in Swedish meatballs that gives them their signature flavor.
- Salt- Enhances the flavor of the meatballs and sauce. Adjust to taste if your broth is already salted.
- Black pepper- Adds mild warmth and balance. White pepper can also be used.
How To Make Easy Swedish Meatballs
Step 1- Make the meatball mixture.
In a bowl, combine the salt, pepper, nutmeg, breadcrumbs, egg, and ground beef until just combined. Form into about 15 golf-ball-sized meatballs.
Step 2- Brown the meatballs.
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
Step 3- Cook the onion and start the gravy.
Sauté the onion in the same pan until it begins to soften. Add the salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, and nutmeg, and cook for 3-5 minutes. Stir in the flour until smooth and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 4- Add broth and meatballs.
Pour in 3 cups of beef broth and return the meatballs to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 5- Finish the sauce.
Lower the heat. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sour cream with a splash of cold water, then stir the mixture into the sauce and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ground beef is mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings, shaped into meatballs, browned in a skillet, and then simmered in a rich gravy until tender.
The sauce starts with sautéed onions and flour to create a thick base. Beef broth is added and simmered with the meatballs, then finished with sour cream for a creamy, savory gravy.
Classic options include egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Roasted vegetables, green beans, or a light cucumber salad also pair nicely with the rich gravy.
Tips For Making This Easy Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Mix the meatball mixture gently. Overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough, so mix just until everything comes together.
- Brown the meatballs well. Letting them develop a little color in the pan adds flavor and helps them hold their shape when simmering in the sauce.
- Cook the flour for a minute or two. This helps remove the raw flour taste and gives the gravy a smoother texture.
- Thin the sour cream first. Mixing it with a splash of cold water helps it blend smoothly into the sauce without curdling.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- You can mix and shape the meatballs a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Leftovers and storage- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
What To Serve With Swedish Meatballs And Gravy
These meatballs are rich and comforting, so pairing them with simple sides helps round out the meal. Try serving them with:
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Roasted Veggies
- Brie Apple Phyllo Cups
- Garlic And Butter Green Beans
- Firecracker Vanilla Cupcakes
Other Dinner Recipes To Try
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie on Instagram and TikTok!
Swedish Meatballs and Noodles
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 90/10
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper divided
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg + ⅛ teaspoon
- 2 Tablespoons avocado oil or other neutral oil
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 Tablespoons Flour
- ¼ teaspoon Poultry seasoning to taste
- 3 cups beef broth
- ¼ cup sour cream mixed with a splash of water
Instructions
- Mix the ground beef, bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg together and form 15 meatballs that are around the size of golf balls.
- Heat over medium high avocado oil in a large skillet and add meatballs. Brown on all sides. Remove from the pan when each meatball is browned.
- Add onions and sauté to soften about 3 minutes. Stir in flour, remaining salt, remaining peppers, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, and poultry seasoning until no lumps remain. Cook 2 minutes.
- Stir in beef broth and return meatballs to the pan. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium low. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring periodically.
- Once the meatballs are cooked through, turn off the heat and stir in the sour cream mixture.
- Serve immediately over egg noodles or potatoes.
Video
Notes
- Mix the meatball mixture gently. Overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough, so mix just until everything comes together.
- Brown the meatballs well. Letting them develop a little color in the pan adds flavor and helps them hold their shape when simmering in the sauce.
- Cook the flour for a minute or two. This helps remove the raw flour taste and gives the gravy a smoother texture.
- Thin the sour cream first. Mixing it with a splash of cold water helps it blend smoothly into the sauce without curdling.
- Ingredients to prep ahead- You can mix and shape the meatballs a few hours ahead of time and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Leftovers and storage- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
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