Love meatballs? Try this Porcupine Meatballs recipe, this Italian Meatball Soup, these Air Fryer Meatballs or this one pan Swedish Meatballs and Noodles next! We are a little meatball-obsessed around here, which explains our February theme for 6 Ingredient Staples — this easy Homemade Meatballs recipe. So far, we’ve used it to make this classic Spaghetti and Meatballs (one of our all time favorite meals!) and now we’re tossing them in a rich and creamy gravy that couldn’t be simpler! These Swedish Meatballs are totally juicy, loaded with flavor and made with just a few ingredients. Serve them over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes with a solid ladle of that creamy, beefy gravy and a side salad and one of my Mom’s Homemade Buns for a meal that screams comfort food!
What is in Swedish meatball sauce?
I guess that depends on who you ask 😉 Traditionally, Swedish meatball sauce is a creamy beef gravy that starts with a simple roux (melted butter and flour to thicken), beef stock or broth and a few simple seasonings plus something to make it extra rich and creamy. Often, that something is sour cream, and since I’m not a big fan of sour cream I usually use heavy cream instead. The heavy cream adds the perfect richness and we really love it this way! I’ve included both in the recipe, so you can use whichever you prefer and both will be delicious!
Variations and Substitutions:
Meatballs: you can swap the homemade meatballs for store bought meatballs in a pinch, though nothing compares to homemade! If you are making homemade meatballs just for these Swedish meatballs, feel free to add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a more authentic flavor! Beef broth: I always choose low sodium stock and broth and add my own seasoning. If you have regular beef broth with salt added, you will want to leave the salt out and add to taste at the end. Cream: I make my sauce with heavy cream, but you can use either cream or sour cream (and I’ve included both in the recipe), without changing anything else in the recipe and both will work just as well! Seasonings: since I use my classic homemade meatball recipe for these Swedish meatballs, I add a bit of nutmeg to my sauce to get that classic flavor coming through. You can adjust the seasonings to taste as you like!
Can I make these Swedish Meatballs in the crockpot?
If you’re looking to make these meatballs in the slow cooker, check out my Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs recipe and post for more information.
Can I make these meatballs in the Instant Pot?
If you want to make Swedish meatballs in the Instant Pot, check out my Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs and Noodles for more information.
What should I serve with Swedish Meatballs?
We love these Swedish Meatballs served over plain cooked egg noodles or these Crockpot Mashed Potatoes — but these Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes would be an indulgent addition to your meal! This Instant Pot Brown Rice also rounds out the meal nicely! Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again. Register Now Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
