Name: Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ¼ cup breadcrumbs; 1 small onion, very finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice; ½ teaspoon salt; Black pepper to taste; 1 large egg; 1-2 tablespoons milk; 1 tablespoon oil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour (use 2 tablespoons if you prefer a thinner gravy); 1 ½ cups beef broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon grape jelly OR lingonberry jam (or less, to taste); Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 10 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food with a cozy European twist, you’re in for a treat with this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that wraps you in warmth with every bite — from the tender, spiced meatballs to the velvety gravy that just clings perfectly. I’ve made this recipe a dozen times for friends and family, and it’s always a hit, no matter the occasion. Stick around because I’m going to share everything I’ve learned to help you nail it every time!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor Profile: The mix of nutmeg, allspice, and Dijon mustard creates that signature Swedish flavor without overpowering the meat.
Perfectly Tender Meatballs: Breadcrumbs and milk keep the meatballs juicy and soft, while chilling them briefly ensures they stay firm during cooking.
Lusciously Creamy Gravy: Using a combination of butter, flour, beef broth, and a touch of berry jelly makes the gravy silky with a hint of sweet tang that elevates the dish.
Versatile Cooking Methods: You can pan-fry or bake the meatballs to suit your schedule and kitchen setup.

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy, Swedish Meatballs, Creamy Gravy Recipe, Comfort Food Recipes, Easy Swedish Meatballs - A large silver pan with tall handles holds two distinct layers inside: one side is filled with yellow wide pasta noodles twisted and folded over each other with a smooth, slightly shiny texture, while the other side has many round brown meatballs covered in a thick, creamy brown sauce with visible black pepper specks. Metal tongs with black grips rest on top of the pasta, slightly lifting some noodles. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, surrounded by fresh green parsley leaves scattered around, a gray textured cloth to the left, a white bowl filled with bright green peas on the bottom right, and a dark bottle with cork inside at the top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients are simple but thoughtfully combined to achieve that authentic flavor and perfect texture. I always recommend using fresh breadcrumbs or finely crushed good-quality ones – it really impacts the mouthfeel. And don’t skip the touch of jelly in the gravy; it’s what turns it from plain cream sauce into something seriously special.

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy, Swedish Meatballs, Creamy Gravy Recipe, Comfort Food Recipes, Easy Swedish Meatballs - Flat lay of fresh ground beef shaped loosely in a small mound, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl holding finely chopped white onion, one peeled garlic clove resting whole, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, a small white ceramic bowl containing bright yellow ground nutmeg powder, a small white ceramic bowl with warm brown allspice powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with coarse black pepper, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with clear golden cooking oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with softened pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl holding white flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing rich brown beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth Dijon mustard pale yellow in color, a small white ceramic bowl with vibrant red lingonberry jam, all ingredients evenly spaced and symmetrically arranged on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for juicy, flavorful meatballs without too much grease.
Breadcrumbs: Adds moisture and binds the meatballs while keeping them tender.
Small onion: The finely chopped onion melts into the meat, adding subtle sweetness and dimension.
Garlic: Just the right amount to brighten, without overpowering.
Dried parsley: Keeps the flavor fresh and herbaceous.
Ground nutmeg and allspice: Classic warming spices that set these meatballs apart — don’t skip them!
Salt and black pepper: Enhances and balances all those flavors.
Egg: Helps bind everything together so the meatballs hold their shape.
Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness.
Oil: For browning the meatballs evenly to perfection.
Butter and flour: The base of a rich, creamy roux for the gravy.
Beef broth: Deepens the gravy’s savory profile.
Whole milk: Keeps the gravy smooth and silky.
Dijon mustard: Adds subtle tang and complexity to the sauce.
Grape jelly or lingonberry jam: Just a touch sweet with a hint of fruitiness — a true game-changer.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore the classic take, I also like to tweak this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe now and then to suit different moods or diets. You can definitely personalize it — and I’ll share some easy ways to do just that.

Variation: I’ve swapped the beef for a mix of beef and pork before – makes meatballs even juicier and more tender.
Dietary modification: For a lighter gravy, I use reduced-fat milk or even half-and-half instead of whole milk, adjusting flour for desired thickness.
Seasonal twist: Adding finely chopped fresh dill or thyme in meatballs adds a fresh, green note, especially lovely in spring or summer.
Cooking preference: When I’m short on time, I bake the meatballs instead of frying — it’s slightly less hands-on and still delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Mix & Chill the Meatball Mixture

I toss all the meatball ingredients except the oil into a big bowl and start kneading. Sometimes, I use my handheld mixer with the dough hook — it makes life so much easier and ensures everything’s evenly combined. After mixing, I roll the mixture into small, firm balls — about two teaspoons each. A neat trick I learned: pop them in the freezer for 5-10 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking and makes browning way easier.

Step 2: Brown the Meatballs

Heat your oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches so they have space and crisp up nicely — crowded pans mean steaming, not browning. Turn them gently for even color, about 6-8 minutes total until golden all around. If you prefer baking, lay them on a lined sheet and cook at 425°F for 10-12 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Gravy

Once the meatballs are rested, keep your skillet on medium heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour quickly to make a roux, cooking until it’s a lovely medium brown—this develops a deep, nutty flavor. Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking like crazy to avoid lumps. Next, add the milk, Dijon mustard, and grape jelly (or lingonberry jam) – the last ingredient is a secret weapon for that classic sweet tang. Let the gravy simmer gently for about a minute to thicken and marry the flavors, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

Slip those browned meatballs back into the skillet with your gravy and warm through on low heat. Be gentle—no boiling! Once everything’s heated and coated in that luscious sauce, you’re ready to serve immediately and get ready for the compliments.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overmix the Meat: Mixing too vigorously can make your meatballs dense, so just knead until combined.
Freeze for Shape Stability: Even a quick chill in the freezer helps the meatballs keep their shape and brown beautifully.
Use a Whisk for the Gravy: Constant whisking when adding broth avoids lumps and makes a silky sauce.
Adjust Jelly Amount Slowly: Start with less jelly and add more after tasting—you want a subtle sweetness that enhances, not dominates.

How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe

Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy, Swedish Meatballs, Creamy Gravy Recipe, Comfort Food Recipes, Easy Swedish Meatballs - Two white bowls placed on a white marbled surface hold a meal of three layers each. The first layer in each bowl is wide, flat yellow pasta ribbons arranged loosely in a pile on one side with a light sprinkle of herbs. The second layer beside the pasta is a small heap of bright green peas. The third layer, next to the peas, consists of brown meatballs covered in a smooth, creamy brown sauce, garnished with fresh green herbs and one or two dark purple pickled elements. Each bowl has a silver spoon resting inside. A black pepper grinder, a speckled gray cloth, and two clear glasses of water are also arranged on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or dill on top — it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich gravy. A dollop of lingonberry jam on the side is traditional and adds that classic Swedish touch I just can’t get enough of.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my go-to pairing, especially creamy, buttery ones because they soak up all that delicious gravy. But I’ve also served these meatballs over buttered egg noodles or even simple steamed rice — both are excellent to balance the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes plate each meatball on a small toasted rye bread square with a little dollop of gravy on top — like fancy Swedish canapés. Also, serving the meatballs in a beautiful deep dish with fresh sliced cucumbers or pickled veggies on the side brings a lovely Scandinavian vibe to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover meatballs and gravy together in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay great for up to 3-4 days, making it easy to enjoy lunch or dinner without extra prep.

Freezing

Freezing works beautifully with this recipe. I pop the browned meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a bag or container. The gravy freezes well separately, too. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently warm together on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently over medium-low heat to keep the meatballs tender and prevent the gravy from separating. Adding a splash of broth or milk while warming helps loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I make Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and gravy separately and store them in the fridge for a day or two before reheating gently together just before serving. This is perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What’s the purpose of the grape jelly or lingonberry jam in the gravy?

That little bit of jelly adds a subtle sweetness and fruity depth that balances the savory flavors and makes the gravy truly authentic and uniquely Swedish. It’s a simple trick that transforms the sauce from ordinary to unforgettable.
Can I substitute the ground beef with other meats?

Yes! Ground pork or a mix of pork and beef both work wonderfully and add extra juiciness. For a leaner option, ground turkey can be used, but the texture and flavor will be a bit different.
Is it better to pan-fry or bake the meatballs?

Both methods work great! Pan-frying gives a richer, caramelized crust but takes more attention. Baking is fuss-free and cooks the meatballs evenly. Pick the method that suits your time and kitchen setup.

Final Thoughts

What I love most about this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy Recipe is how it feels like a warm hug on a plate — simple ingredients that come together in a way that’s truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress and satisfy. Give it a try and soon you’ll see why it’s become one of my all-time favorites. And hey, don’t forget to share your variations and experiences with me — cooking is best when it’s shared!