Rating: 3.87
(199)

Swedish Meatballs

December 11, 2023

Swedish Meatballs are the kind of cozy meal that wraps you in warmth from the first bite. With their tender texture, rich spices, and creamy gravy, they’re a comfort food staple that works just as well for weeknight dinners as they do for holiday gatherings.

The magic of Swedish meatballs lies in their seasoning and texture. A blend of ground beef and pork creates richness, while breadcrumbs soaked in milk keep them light and tender. Spices like allspice and nutmeg give them their distinct Scandinavian flair. Once the meatballs are formed, they’re pan-fried until golden brown-locking in flavor and creating those delicious browned bits that are key to the gravy.

And let’s talk about that gravy: creamy, buttery, and infused with the flavor of the pan. It’s made with a simple roux, beef broth, and a splash of cream. Some like to add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard for an extra layer of depth. Once the meatballs are simmered in the sauce, they soak up all that goodness and become irresistibly tender.

Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are served with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles and a spoonful of lingonberry jam. The sweet-tart jam cuts through the richness and balances everything on the plate. If you can’t find lingonberry, cranberry sauce makes a great substitute.

They’re also great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. Just reheat them gently in the gravy when you’re ready to serve.

Whether you’re craving something hearty on a chilly night or looking to impress guests with a Scandinavian classic, Swedish Meatballs deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s a dish that feels like home, even if you’ve never been to Sweden.

Swedish Meatballs
Swedish Meatballs
3.87 from 199 votes
Delicious homemade Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp allspice ground
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg ground
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup parsley chopped fresh

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, onion, salt, black pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and egg. Mix until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Gradually whisk in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook until the gravy thickens, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Return the meatballs to the skillet and cook in the gravy for 10 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 25gFat: 23gFiber: 1g
Calories: 377kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Swedish
Keyword: meatballs, Swedish Meatballs
Cooking Method: Fried
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar brandee.harber80 says:

    5 stars
    Made these for Sunday dinner and they turned out *so* comforting. The nutmeg/allspice combo is legit. I served with mashed potatoes and it was perfect.

  2. User avatar Peregrin Took says:

    5 stars
    These Swedish meatballs are super comforting. The allspice + nutmeg combo really makes them taste “authentic” to me. I served them with mashed potatoes and it was a hit.

    1. 5 stars
      Yes! The allspice + nutmeg is exactly the vibe. I did this once and it instantly tasted like the Scandinavian places around here—mashed potatoes are perfect.

  3. User avatar annika.volkman1954 says:

    3 stars
    I think I overcooked the meatballs slightly (my pan was crowded). Still edible, but not as juicy. The sauce saved it. Will try again with fewer meatballs in the skillet.

  4. 5 stars
    Yummmmmm! 😋 My kids loved them too! I’ll be using this recipe all winter long!

  5. User avatar joesph.kunze28 says:

    4 stars
    The flavor is great, but I’m confused about adding salt again in step 7 since you already salted the meat mixture in step 1. Still delicious though—just made mine a little less salty.

    1. User avatar deeanna.wisozk says:

      5 stars
      Honestly I’ve never added extra salt at step 7—just more pepper. I simmer the gravy a bit longer and it tastes perfectly balanced with the cream.

    2. User avatar clayton.gislason1998 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get the confusion. Step 1 has the initial salt, but step 7 is for tuning the gravy—cream/broth can dull the seasoning. “To taste” usually means you might not need extra, just check it.

  6. User avatar derrick.kub23 says:

    4 stars
    I’m not a fan of allspice but gave it a shot. Still tasty, but I think I’ll skip that spice next time.

  7. 5 stars
    I followed it pretty closely (used 90/10 beef). Browning took a bit longer than 5 minutes, but the sauce thickened nicely and tasted like restaurant Swedish meatballs.

  8. User avatar colleen.wilderman says:

    1 star
    What’s allspice? Can I just skip it? Feels like too much work for meatballs.

  9. User avatar edmundo.leannon says:

    3 stars
    Too greasy for my liking. Maybe less butter next time. Just saying.

  10. User avatar ira.skiles1959 says:

    2 stars
    1 lb ground beef is a lot and my meatballs shrank. Also my gravy got lumpy because I whisked too slow. Tasted fine though—just looked sad. Will try smoothing it next time.

  11. User avatar Feral Falmer says:

    3 stars
    What is Worcestershire sauce? Can I skip that ingredient?

  12. User avatar victorina.bartell95 says:

    5 stars
    These meatballs were a hit with my family! So much flavor. Definitely making them again!

  13. User avatar brian.krajcik7 says:

    2 stars
    I didn’t have heavy cream so I used half-and-half. It was still tasty but the sauce wasn’t as rich—kinda thin at the end.

  14. User avatar Chaurus Hunter says:

    3 stars
    These were just okay for me. Flavor was fine, but the meatballs were a bit dense. Maybe I overmixed the beef.

  15. User avatar Kenisha Weber DVM says:

    4 stars
    Pretty solid recipe! I followed it pretty much exactly, though I used a splash more cream at the end because I like it extra silky. Browning the meatballs first really helps the flavor.

    1. User avatar jayna.pagac60 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—browning them first is where the flavor really locks in. I also do the extra-cream step and it makes the gravy so silky.

    2. User avatar martha.pouros29 says:

      4 stars
      I tried this and it was solid, but mine came out a little thick. Next time I’ll add the cream a bit earlier or use slightly more broth.

  16. User avatar shon.nikolaus5 says:

    3 stars
    What even is allspice? Can I just use more pepper? Idk about this one.

    1. User avatar joesph.medhurst says:

      4 stars
      Allspice is a spice that tastes like a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove! You can’t just swap it for more pepper, it won’t be the same. It’s worth trying! 😋

  17. User avatar denisse.aufderhar says:

    5 stars
    Meatball magic! I added garlic to mine and they were epic. Thank you!

  18. User avatar Spider Soldier says:

    4 stars
    Yummy 😋

    1. 5 stars
      Totally agree! These are the best! 😍

    2. User avatar Draugr Scourge says:

      3 stars
      Looks good but I wonder if you can use chicken instead of beef? 🤔

  19. User avatar stephnie.gusikowski says:

    4 stars
    Simple & easy recipe! Just what I needed for a quick dinner. Good job!

  20. User avatar geoWizard says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but mine turned out a little bland. Maybe I undersalted? Next time I’ll add more pepper and taste the gravy earlier.

  21. User avatar maximo.bechtelar says:

    4 stars
    These are not Swedish like IKEA—lol. But they are kinda close to the vibes I want. I used sour cream instead of heavy cream and it was still good. Would recommend as a weeknight comfort meal.

  22. User avatar isaias.smitham54 says:

    2 stars
    These were okay, but I prefer the ones from the store. Much easier.

  23. 4 stars
    Good flavor, but I had to adjust seasoning at the end. Mine needed more pepper and a touch of salt. Also, the bread crumbs + milk mixture felt a little tight until I mixed longer.

    1. User avatar Blue Dartwing says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree on seasoning at the end—mine also needed an extra pinch of salt and more pepper. I usually taste the gravy before returning the meatballs.

    2. User avatar norbert.pouros2009 says:

      4 stars
      Interesting. I actually didn’t have that “tight” crumb thing because I let the bread crumbs soak in the milk longer before mixing. Maybe that’s the trick?

  24. User avatar enrique.bergnaum says:

    1 star
    Swedish meatballs? More like Swedish mushballs! Didn’t enjoy this recipe.

  25. User avatar Will Rogahn says:

    5 stars
    These Swedish meatballs are dangerously good. The allspice + nutmeg combo is spot on, and the gravy actually tastes rich (not watered down). I served them with mashed potatoes and it was a total hit.

    1. User avatar wilhelmina.sporer1 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! The nutmeg/allspice combo is what makes it taste “right.” I do the same gravy trick with flour first—so glad it doesn’t come out watery. Bet with mashed potatoes was perfect.

  26. User avatar wendell.steuber says:

    5 stars
    Loved it! The allspice + nutmeg smelled like Grandma’s kitchen. I added a splash of extra cream at the end and it was extra creamy.

  27. User avatar avery.oconner65 says:

    4 stars
    I don’t get the measurements sometimes—like 1 lb beef but only 1 egg? Mine held together, but I used more breadcrumbs since my mixture felt wet.

  28. User avatar hermila.bechtelar says:

    5 stars
    These meatballs are amazing! They tasted just like the ones I had in Sweden. Definitely a keeper!

    1. User avatar rich.landlord says:

      3 stars
      They were okay but I think my mom’s are better. Just sayin’.

    2. User avatar Peregrin Took says:

      5 stars
      So glad to hear that! I love Swedish meatballs too! What did you pair them with?

  29. User avatar christie.kuhic22 says:

    4 stars
    Made these for my friend’s potluck and they were a hit! The gravy is what made it amazing!

  30. User avatar brian.becker91 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe but my meatballs fell apart. What’s the secret?!

  31. User avatar eleni.west2000 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but it needed more flavor for me. Maybe add garlic or something? Just a thought.

  32. User avatar isaac.lockman0 says:

    4 stars
    Allspice and nutmeg feel fancy, but honestly I’ve made Swedish meatballs before and this is basically the same idea with a gravy base. Still, it’s a reliable weekday version.

  33. 5 stars
    My husband said it tasted like Ikea (in a good way). I served over mashed potatoes and it soaked up the gravy beautifully. Will repeat.

  34. User avatar sonia.okeefe1980 says:

    4 stars
    Delicious! Cant believe how easy it was to make! Yumm!

  35. 4 stars
    I followed the steps exactly but my sauce didn’t thicken much until I simmered longer. After like 15 minutes it finally got there. Flavor was great regardless!

  36. User avatar floyd.champlin1990 says:

    2 stars
    I’m not sure about 1 lb beef with only 1/2 cup bread crumbs—mine were a tad dense. Also, I think I cooked the gravy too long, so it got thick fast.

  37. 4 stars
    Swedish meatballs?? sounds like IKEA food 😅 but okay I guess. I did it anyway and it was actually pretty good.

  38. User avatar armando.steuber5 says:

    3 stars
    This recipe is good, but I think it’s missing something. I don’t know what, maybe some ketchup?

  39. User avatar mandie.reichert says:

    3 stars
    Just ok. I thought Swedish meatballs had lingonberry sauce with them. Where’s that?

  40. User avatar steve_maga says:

    3 stars
    Quick and easy. My only problem is I forgot the nutmeg at first (oops) and had to add it later—still decent but not the same.

    1. User avatar alycia.goodwin says:

      3 stars
      I kinda think the nutmeg is optional. If you’ve got allspice + pepper in there, the flavor’s already pretty close—though I get why you’d notice the change.

    2. User avatar w00d_ch0p says:

      5 stars
      Lol that happens! Nutmeg makes a big difference with meatballs, but honestly I’d still call it a win if it tasted “decent.” Next time you’ll be dialed in 😄

  41. User avatar chimpanzee says:

    3 stars
    5 minutes browning + 10 minutes simmering… my meatballs were maybe overcooked? They turned out a bit dense. Flavor was good but texture wasn’t as tender as I hoped.

  42. User avatar Android 17 says:

    5 stars
    One star because it’s not even Swedish. lol jk. Actually it tastes great and my family ate everything. Will make again!

    1. User avatar sammy.greenfelder1994 says:

      5 stars
      Lol the “not even Swedish” jab is hilarious 😄 But honestly, if your family ate everything and it tastes great, that’s the real win. Making again is always a good sign!

  43. User avatar laurence.yost1957 says:

    1 star
    Too much cream. Made mine oily. 1/5 stars! 😕

  44. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

    2 stars
    Too much nutmeg for my taste—like I accidentally dumped the whole jar. Otherwise good texture though. Would reduce spices next time.

  45. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    3 stars
    Quick and easy, too much work for a simple dinner tho. 😅

    1. 5 stars
      I think it’s worth the effort! These meatballs are super delicious 😋. Just add some mashed potatoes and you’re set!

  46. User avatar harry.block says:

    3 stars
    My gravy got lumpy from whisking too fast 😅. Once I switched to whisking slower (and off heat for a sec) it smoothed out. Tasted amazing regardless.

    1. User avatar shera.bechtelar says:

      5 stars
      Yes! Lumps are always the whisk speed culprit 😄 Off heat and slow whisking is the cheat code.

  47. User avatar Florinda Osinski says:

    4 stars
    Bread crumbs + milk + egg is such an easy binder. I used regular breadcrumbs and they held together well. Quick and comforting.

  48. 3 stars
    Recipe’s fine, but the instructions are kinda vague like how hot is medium exactly? Also “cook until cooked through” could mean anything lol. I checked mine with a thermometer.

  49. User avatar manual.christiansen65 says:

    2 stars
    I tried making these but the meatballs fell apart. Maybe I did something wrong? Not sure if I’ll try again.

  50. User avatar rosalinda.hill31 says:

    4 stars
    I’m skeptical about heavy cream. Isn’t that unhealthy? Still tasted good though.

  51. 3 stars
    Lets be honest, meatballs are meatballs. They were fine but nothing special.

  52. User avatar margarete.glover1974 says:

    3 stars
    I got the gravy thick, but mine turned slightly lumpy even though I whisked. Probably my broth was too cold? Still tasty though. Served with mashed potatoes and it worked.

    1. User avatar mariana.hoeger1992 says:

      4 stars
      Mine did that too once 😅 I swear I followed it but the sauce got lumpy. I think my heat was too low. Also I used bouillon and maybe it was thicker? Still ate it over mashed potatoes, no regrets.

    2. User avatar Falmer Nightprowler says:

      5 stars
      Good catch on the broth temperature! Cold liquid can definitely make the flour clump before it fully hydrates. Next time, warm the broth a bit or whisk like crazy while pouring slowly. Glad it still tasted great!

  53. User avatar tomoko.schinner56 says:

    2 stars
    I tried this and it was… okay? The spices were a little overpowering for my family. Maybe next time reduce allspice/nutmeg. The concept is good, just not our taste.

  54. User avatar darin.cormier88 says:

    5 stars
    Made these last night and they were seriously comforting. The allspice + nutmeg combo is perfect, and the gravy came out silky. I didn’t have Worcestershire so I used a splash of soy sauce—still good!

  55. 3 stars
    I think I messed up the sauce… it was too thick. Do I add more broth or what?

    1. 5 stars
      Yeah, try adding more broth gradually! You can always thin it out but can’t thicken it back once it’s too watery. Good luck!

  56. User avatar anibal.russel57 says:

    2 stars
    They turned out a bit dry for me. Maybe I needed more milk or something. Not my favorite.

  57. User avatar rupert.cassin says:

    2 stars
    This is not Swedish, I think. They don’t use nutmeg for meatballs…

  58. User avatar dale.glover says:

    3 stars
    Not bad! But 2 tbsp flour for the gravy felt a little light—my sauce stayed thinner than expected even after 5 minutes. I ended up simmering longer. Still tasty though.

    1. User avatar liberal.hero says:

      5 stars
      Totally get that—2 tbsp flour can be a bit borderline depending on how fatty your broth is. I usually whisk the flour in a little longer (or add a splash more) until it coats the back of a spoon.

  59. User avatar reynaldo.balistreri66 says:

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! Just like my grandma made. 10/10 would make again.

    1. 5 stars
      This reminds me of family dinners! Can’t wait to try it myself. Thanks for sharing!

  60. User avatar Clarence Bartell says:

    5 stars
    5 stars! I love recipes that actually use real pantry basics. Also: the parsley at the end makes it look fancy for basically no extra work. YUM.

  61. User avatar Mr. Nick Thiel says:

    2 stars
    Yo, where’s the garlic? Also 1-inch meatballs seems huge—my pan wouldn’t fit. Still ate it but nah, not for me.

    1. 4 stars
      Totally fair — no garlic in this one. I usually add a clove or two though. And yeah 1-inch meatballs are pretty big; I’ve had to go closer to 3/4-inch so they fit in the pan.

  62. 4 stars
    I’m skeptical about “nutmeg” in meatballs, but it actually worked. The gravy was creamy and flavorful. Next time I might add a tiny splash more Worcestershire because I like it bold.

  63. User avatar clair.wilderman6 says:

    5 stars
    These Swedish meatballs are seriously comforting. I followed the steps and the gravy came out smooth and rich—heavy cream + Worcestershire is such a good combo.

  64. 4 stars
    I used turkey instead of beef and it turned out good. Experimenting is where it’s at!

  65. User avatar kacey.lindgren1994 says:

    3 stars
    Mine turned out a bit dry—probably overcooked the meatballs or I packed them too tight. Next time I’ll keep an eye on internal temp and maybe reduce cooking time.

  66. User avatar ahmad.armstrong says:

    5 stars
    Meatballs = love ❤️! Gonna make this again for sure!

  67. User avatar garret.rowe79 says:

    3 stars
    Too much allspice for my taste. Next time I might just skip it. Was kinda overpowering.

  68. 4 stars
    I was skeptical about cooking flour directly in the same skillet, but it thickened perfectly. I followed the simmer time and it worked great.

  69. User avatar Deon Hansen says:

    2 stars
    I don’t understand why you need so many spices for meatballs. It’s just meat and bread, right?

    1. User avatar lamar.kshlerin32 says:

      5 stars
      I think the spices really add flavor! Without them, the meatballs would be kinda bland, don’t you think?

    2. User avatar adella.ward77 says:

      2 stars
      Nah, meat and bread is fine! I just throw in some salt and that’s it. Too many spices, y’know?

  70. 3 stars
    The meatballs browned fine, but mine were a little dry. I’m thinking I overmixed the beef or cooked too long after browning. Still tasted good with the sauce.

    1. User avatar brendan.hagenes says:

      4 stars
      That sounds like a classic overmix/overcook issue. With ground beef, mixing just until it comes together helps—overworking can make them tough and dry. Next time, try mixing gently and make sure they don’t go too long after they’re browned.

    2. User avatar hans.deckow11 says:

      4 stars
      I always find 10 minutes in the gravy is a bit much. I usually simmer closer to 6–8 min and they stay juicy. If you browned them already, you don’t need as long.

  71. User avatar santa.erdman63 says:

    3 stars
    I tried to make them “Swedish” but my meatballs stuck to the pan a bit. I should’ve used more butter or better browning technique. Flavor was still decent.

    1. 4 stars
      Oh no—sticking happens a lot if the pan isn’t hot enough or the browning isn’t really developed yet. I’ve had luck using a bit more butter *and* letting the meatballs sit untouched for a minute before trying to flip.

    2. 5 stars
      When mine stick, it’s usually cause I overcrowd the skillet. Try cooking in batches so they can brown instead of steaming. Also, don’t move them too soon.

  72. User avatar donte.bahringer8 says:

    2 stars
    Not gonna lie, my mixture was kinda dry even with the milk. I think my bread crumbs were too fine? Still ate them, but I wouldn’t call it perfect.

  73. User avatar donald.rowe85 says:

    4 stars
    The ingredient list is solid, but 1-inch meatballs is kinda fussy. I made bigger ones and had to cook longer—still delicious though.

  74. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    4 stars
    Easy and quick! Perfect for a weeknight dinner. Will definitely make again!

  75. User avatar donnette.schinner2021 says:

    4 stars
    Pretty good, but I think 2 cups broth + 1/2 cup cream made it a little thin for me. Next time I’ll simmer the gravy 2-3 minutes longer.

    1. User avatar franklin.lebsack says:

      5 stars
      Good to know! I’ve had that “thin gravy” problem too. Simmering a couple extra minutes sounds spot on—thanks for the heads up.

    2. User avatar bart.runolfsson82 says:

      4 stars
      Maybe it’s not the broth/cream ratio—could be the flour step. I always make sure the flour really cooks (like 2 mins) before adding broth.

  76. User avatar fritz.bartell14 says:

    3 stars
    I’m skeptical about the 1-inch meatballs and the 5 minutes browning—felt a bit rushed. But the flavor was good and the gravy thickened nicely.

  77. 5 stars
    Quick and easy! My kids loved these, will make again for sure.

    1. User avatar Glorfindel says:

      2 stars
      Really? I tried this recipe and it didn’t work for me. My meatballs fell apart! Maybe I did something wrong?

    2. User avatar irving.wunsch says:

      5 stars
      So glad to hear your kids loved them! These meatballs are super tasty and easy! Definitely a winner in my house too.

  78. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    4 stars
    Meatballs are really good but I think it needs more seasoning! Maybe some garlic?

  79. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    5 stars
    Meatballs!!! 👍

    1. 5 stars
      Yummy! Can’t wait to try this recipe. Meatballs are the best! 😋

  80. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    4 stars
    Simple but good. I took a shortcut and used pre-made meatballs, still yummy. 😂

  81. User avatar Heimerdinger says:

    2 stars
    Way too much nutmeg for me, tasted like dessert spices at first. Could be my measurement though. I’d cut it in half next time.

  82. User avatar harvey.walker says:

    4 stars
    Yesss! Finally a recipe that worked! I felt like a chef today. Thanks for sharing!

  83. User avatar basementDweller says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about Worcestershire in “Swedish” meatballs. But it actually added a nice depth. Good call.

  84. User avatar Dwarven Centurion says:

    3 stars
    I’m not sure about the amount of onion—mine tasted a little strong. Next time I’ll chop it finer or maybe reduce it. Still, the sauce thickened nicely.

    1. User avatar felton.hessel35 says:

      5 stars
      That sounds exactly like what happens when the onion is a bit chunkier—finely chopping really helps mellow the flavor. I love the idea of reducing it too; Swedish meatballs are best when the sauce is the star.

  85. User avatar gonzalo.sauer71 says:

    5 stars
    These meatballs are absolutely delicious! I added a bit more allspice, and it turned out perfect. Will make again!

  86. 5 stars
    Wow. Better than the frozen stuff. I used 93% lean beef and it browned nicely. The parsley on top makes it look fancy too. 10/10

  87. User avatar corazon.smith10 says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about the Worcestershire sauce in there. Turns out it adds a nice depth. I’ll use it again.

  88. User avatar angelyn.champlin says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Made this for my family and they loved it! Will make again!

  89. User avatar darrell.anderson52 says:

    5 stars
    These meatballs were amazing! The gravy was so rich and creamy. Definitely a keeper!

  90. 5 stars
    Made these for dinner and wow—so cozy. The nutmeg/allspice combo is doing the heavy lifting. Gravy came out smooth, not lumpy.

  91. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

    5 stars
    These Swedish meatballs were seriously comforting. The allspice + nutmeg combo is the secret—so warm and old-school. I used slightly more parsley at the end and it made a big difference. Yum!

  92. User avatar pedro.jaskolski says:

    5 stars
    These meatballs are delicious! Just like grandma used to make. Highly recommend!

  93. User avatar britany.welch6 says:

    5 stars
    Made these for dinner and my family devoured them. The meatballs stayed tender, and the gravy clung well. I’ll definitely make again.

    1. User avatar benita.lueilwitz1992 says:

      5 stars
      Made them this week and mine were also super tender! I added a little extra nutmeg and it really helped. Great recipe!

    2. User avatar Ice Wolf says:

      5 stars
      This is exactly the kind of success story I love 😄 Tender meatballs + gravy that actually clings… that’s the dream.

  94. 5 stars
    Followed the recipe exactly and they turned out tender, not dry. Browning took a little longer than 5 minutes for me, but the gravy thickened nicely. Served with mashed potatoes and it felt very “restaurant.”

  95. User avatar eloy.hintz1963 says:

    5 stars
    These meatballs are the best! So tender and packed with flavor!

  96. User avatar antonietta.batz46 says:

    5 stars
    Delish!

  97. User avatar felipe.wolf79 says:

    3 stars
    Not convinced about 1-inch meatballs. Mine were smaller and they cooked faster, but the gravy still turned out fine. Also, I’m not sure I’m using enough nutmeg because I can’t really taste it.

  98. User avatar gena.damore says:

    1 star
    These are just too rich for me. Heavy cream really makes it greasy. Pass.

    1. User avatar danyelle.murray says:

      4 stars
      I totally get it! Heavy cream can be overwhelming. Maybe try yogurt instead?

    2. 2 stars
      Come on, it’s not that bad! Just a little indulgence! Love my meatballs creamy!

  99. User avatar mallie.keeling says:

    4 stars
    Not bad! The instructions are clear, and the gravy thickened nicely. I did think it needed a touch more salt at the end—maybe my broth was less salty.

    1. User avatar everett.dare says:

      5 stars
      Thanks! I’m glad the gravy thickened well. Totally makes sense about the salt—broth brands vary a lot. I usually do a quick taste at the end and add a pinch if needed.

    2. User avatar pasty.nienow96 says:

      4 stars
      I think you’re right about salt. If your broth was “unsalted” or low-sodium, then 1 tsp in the meatballs + the end seasoning might still not be enough. Next time maybe add salt while simmering too (but not too much).

  100. 2 stars
    Wait… 2 tbsp flour for the gravy with 2 cups broth? That seems kinda thin to me. I ended up adding more flour slurry and it finally worked. Otherwise tasty!

  101. User avatar kraig.donnelly22 says:

    4 stars
    Made them exactly as written and the gravy turned out nice and silky. Next time I might sauté the onions a bit longer for extra sweetness, but overall really solid.

    1. User avatar Questular Rontok says:

      5 stars
      Nice! Glad the gravy came out silky—exactly how it should be. Sautéing onions a bit longer for sweetness sounds like a great tweak too.

  102. User avatar alexander.hammes1956 says:

    3 stars
    Why is there heavy cream? Isn’t it supposed to be healthier? I’m confused.

  103. User avatar syble.marvin97 says:

    5 stars
    So good! My whole family loved them. I added some garlic, and it was a hit!

  104. 5 stars
    These meatballs were amazing! So flavorful and tender. Will definitely make again!

  105. 5 stars
    Yummy! I added some garlic and parsley to the meat mix, really made it pop!

  106. User avatar azzie.bechtelar2019 says:

    4 stars
    My family says it tastes “kinda like IKEA vibes” 😅 which is a compliment. Served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

  107. User avatar buford.quigley1996 says:

    3 stars
    Not sure about the Worcestershire—seems a little random for Swedish meatballs. I skipped it and added extra pepper instead. It was still good, just different.

    1. User avatar geoWizard says:

      4 stars
      Totally get that—Worcestershire can feel out of place. But I think the umami it adds helps deepen the gravy. If extra pepper was your jam, that makes sense too. What brand did you use (sometimes it’s stronger)?

    2. User avatar sylvester.schuster86 says:

      3 stars
      Worcestershire in Swedish meatballs? That’s… weird. I’d just trust the classic allspice/nutmeg combo and keep it simple. Still, glad it turned out good for you.

  108. User avatar Max Quordlepleen says:

    3 stars
    The gravy thickening was tricky for me. I whisked like crazy and it still got a little clumpy until I lowered the heat. Once fixed, it was good!

  109. User avatar bernie.frami2018 says:

    4 stars
    I made it for my boyfriend and he ate like 3 servings—so… win. I didn’t have allspice, so I used a little cinnamon (yes I know) and it was still good. Don’t judge too hard.

  110. 5 stars
    Thank you! Glad you like it! The meatballs are super tasty! 😋

  111. User avatar maurine.flatley2015 says:

    3 stars
    Looks good, but do you really think all that spice is necessary? Seems kinda extra to me.

  112. 4 stars
    Pretty solid recipe. My meatballs were a bit dense—next time I’ll try adding a little more milk or mixing less. Gravy tastes rich though, like “restaurant” rich.

  113. User avatar rodrick.hickle says:

    5 stars
    These Swedish meatballs were *so* comforting. The allspice and nutmeg combo is the real magic—my gravy turned out silky and not too heavy. Served them over mashed potatoes and it was a hit.

  114. User avatar hosea.mante91 says:

    5 stars
    Meatballs? More like MEATBALLS of joy! Loved it 😍

  115. User avatar Draugr Deathlord says:

    2 stars
    Swedish meatballs? More like weeklong meatballs! Haha, I’ll stick with spaghetti.

    1. User avatar lavinia.terry59 says:

      4 stars
      Spaghetti is good, but you should really give these meatballs a try! They’re way better than just noodles.

  116. User avatar gloria.tremblay2000 says:

    2 stars
    I can’t get past the amount of nutmeg—feels like it overpowers everything. Maybe my allspice and nutmeg were stronger? If I cut it in half, I bet it would be better.

    1. User avatar Dro'marash says:

      5 stars
      Totally get that—nutmeg can be super punchy. I’d try cutting it in half *and* make sure your nutmeg is fresh/not extra strong (or freshly ground). Once it bakes/cooks into the gravy, it mellows a bit, but too much can still dominate.

  117. User avatar Garlic Jr says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about the Worcestershire sauce in there, but it works. Flavor is deeper than expected. Would cook again for sure.

    1. User avatar Dominic Vernius says:

      5 stars
      Same here—I didn’t think Worcestershire would fit, but the gravy is way richer than I expected. I’m making this again for sure.

    2. 4 stars
      Wow, I’m surprised it works. I always thought Worcestershire was kinda overpowering, but maybe 1 tbsp is perfect. Going on my list.

  118. User avatar nelia.watsica says:

    2 stars
    My gravy got lumpy when I whisked the broth in—probably my fault for not gradually adding. Once I strained it, though, it tasted great. Will try again!

    1. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

      5 stars
      Totally happened to me once—lumps are usually just the flour protesting 😅 Straining is a great fix. Your next batch will be smooth!

    2. 4 stars
      Weird, I usually add the flour first and then the broth, but if you whisked too fast I can see the lumps. Did you let the flour cook the full minute?

  119. User avatar bernardo.graham58 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe to a T, but mine turned out kinda dry. Did I maybe overcook them?

    1. User avatar elenore.runte63 says:

      4 stars
      You might’ve overcooked them a bit, yeah. Maybe try reducing the time next time? They should be juicy and tender!

  120. User avatar Eddie the Computer says:

    2 stars
    Tried this but it didn’t turn out so good. The sauce was too thick and my meatballs fell apart.

    1. User avatar dewayne.osinski2015 says:

      4 stars
      Sorry to hear that! Sometimes the sauce can get thick if you cook it too long. Maybe try adding more broth next time? Hope it works out better!

  121. User avatar tom.mitchell76 says:

    4 stars
    Worcestershire in Swedish meatballs feels kinda wrong to me lol. But I’ll admit the gravy had that extra depth. I’ll probably keep it, just because it works.

  122. User avatar Alice Moore says:

    4 stars
    I followed it pretty closely, but I swapped in turkey because that’s what I had. Still came out delicious. Next time I’ll brown them a bit longer for extra crust.

  123. 5 stars
    I like the spice combo (allspice + nutmeg). The flavors feel really authentic. I used a little less salt at first since my broth is salty, and it was perfect.

    1. User avatar vanetta.swift49 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! Allspice + nutmeg is the magic. I always end up tweaking salt too depending on my broth—glad it worked out for you.

  124. User avatar Shaddam Corrino IV says:

    4 stars
    Solid recipe, very “classic Swedish.” I did add a tiny splash of extra Worcestershire because I like the tang. Meatballs browned nicely and stayed juicy.

  125. User avatar darcie.fahey88 says:

    2 stars
    I followed the recipe but my meatballs fell apart… not sure what I did wrong.

  126. User avatar steve_maga says:

    3 stars
    The instructions are clear, but I’m confused by “cook until browned on all sides” when it takes me forever to get that. Maybe my skillet runs cool? Either way, flavor is solid.

  127. User avatar Nunu & Willump says:

    5 stars
    Made these for family night and they were a hit. The allspice + nutmeg combo is *chef’s kiss*. Gravy came out smooth and rich, not watery at all.

    1. User avatar Efren Blanda says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! The allspice + nutmeg combo is exactly what makes Swedish meatballs taste “right.” So glad your gravy stayed smooth and not watery!

    2. User avatar lauren.konopelski says:

      4 stars
      I made these once but my gravy got kinda thin… think I didn’t cook the flour long enough. Your timing notes help—maybe I’ll try again with more simmer time.

  128. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    2 stars
    These are way too much work for “swedish meatballs.” I’m sure it’s tasty but I’m not mixing everything with an egg and then making a roux every time 😅

  129. User avatar stefan.beier27 says:

    2 stars
    Meh. Mine were bland until I salted the gravy more. Also, 1-inch meatballs cooked unevenly—some were overdone. Might be my skillet heat.

    1. 4 stars
      Ugh, sorry yours were bland. I had the same issue until I went a little heavier on salt and let the gravy simmer longer—like closer to 8–10 min. Also check if your allspice/nutmeg is fresh.

    2. User avatar zenaida.conroy32 says:

      5 stars
      1-inch meatballs uneven here too! I started rolling them a bit tighter and making them all the same weight (use a small scale if you can). Browning on medium heat helps—too hot overdoes the outside and leaves the inside.

  130. 5 stars
    These Swedish meatballs are super cozy. I followed it pretty much exactly and the gravy came out smooth and rich—my whole kitchen smelled amazing. Definitely making again.

    1. 5 stars
      Mmmm cozy is exactly right. I love when the gravy turns out silky like that—sounds like you nailed it!

  131. User avatar elroy.hoppe says:

    5 stars
    I followed it mostly, except I used half ground pork/half beef. Flavor was rich and the meatballs stayed tender. Would do again.

  132. User avatar keenan.franecki38 says:

    4 stars
    I’m skeptical about the Worcestershire sauce—feels like a random ingredient for “Swedish” meatballs. But honestly it gave the gravy a nice depth, so… fair point.

    1. User avatar rochell.schmitt says:

      5 stars
      I totally get the “why is there Worcestershire in this?” feeling 😄 But it really does add that savory umami—like a little shortcut to depth.

    2. User avatar Anne T. Lope says:

      2 stars
      Nah, I don’t buy it. Swedish meatballs should taste like cardamom and butter, not like steak sauce vibes. Next you’ll tell me to add soy sauce too.

  133. 4 stars
    Pretty tasty! I used a little extra nutmeg because I like the warm spice. Only thing: mine took closer to 15 minutes to cook through, so keep an eye on it.

    1. User avatar kathe.jerde98 says:

      5 stars
      Glad you liked them! 15 minutes makes sense too—mine varies depending on the size of the meatballs. I’ll add “until cooked through” emphasis next time.

    2. 4 stars
      Extra nutmeg is the move 😄 Warm spices forever. I also always end up cooking a bit longer than the 10 minutes—my gravy gets thick faster though, so I watch it closely.

  134. User avatar florinda.schmeler says:

    3 stars
    Okay, but where’s the lingonberry sauce? 😅 I know it’s not in the recipe, but Swedish meatballs feel incomplete without it. Flavor-wise though, it’s solid.

  135. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    3 stars
    Mine came out a little dry even though I cooked them only 10 minutes in the sauce. I think I overbrowned them—maybe I should go gentler. Still tasty though.

  136. User avatar rashida.rippin77 says:

    4 stars
    Good base recipe, but I think 1 lb beef might be a bit dry depending on the fat content. Next time I’ll maybe add a spoon of extra milk/cream to the meat mixture.

3.87 from 199 votes
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