Easy Baked Swedish Meatballs: Classic Comfort Made Simple
A streamlined comfort dish coated in velvety gravy, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Easy Baked Swedish Meatballs: An Heirloom Comfort Food
Rich, tender, and blanketed in a velvety cream sauce, Swedish meatballs have long claimed their place among iconic comfort dishes. In this easy, oven-baked version, you’ll capture all the nostalgic flavor of the original—without the fuss of frying in batches. Whether you’re hosting Sunday dinner or searching for the perfect cozy meal, these delectable meatballs never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Streamlined Baking: Oven-baked, not fried, for less mess and easier cleanup.
- Classic Flavor: All the signature spices—nutmeg, allspice, freshly chopped onion—create that authentic Swedish taste.
- Creamy Sauce: A luscious gravy, rich with sour cream, envelops every bite.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect atop mashed potatoes or buttered noodles—beloved by all ages.
Ingredients for Baked Swedish Meatballs
This recipe stays true to tradition while simplifying the process. Below are the core components you’ll need.
For the Meatballs
- 2 slices white bread, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped or grated
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for greasing the baking sheet)
For the Creamy Gravy
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth, low sodium
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Easy to prep and even easier to bake, this method streamlines traditional Swedish meatballs without sacrificing any flavor.
1. Prep the Bread Mixture
- Add the bread cubes to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the milk over the bread, toss gently, and let stand for a few minutes until the bread is softened and moistened throughout.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
- Add the chopped onion, ground meat, egg yolks, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and allspice to the bread mixture.
- With clean hands, gently combine until everything is thoroughly incorporated. Take care not to overmix for the most tender meatballs.
3. Shape and Bake the Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch balls, arranging them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are beautifully browned and cooked through.
4. Prepare the Gravy
- While the meatballs bake, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits for maximum flavor.
- Gradually whisk in the broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the gravy thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then add the sour cream, whisking until completely smooth.
5. Combine and Serve
- Add the baked meatballs to the sauce, coating each thoroughly.
- Simmer gently for 5–10 minutes, so the meatballs absorb the flavors of the gravy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy comfort of Swedish meatballs truly shines atop whipped mashed potatoes.
- Butter Noodles: Lightly eggy noodles, tossed in butter, pick up every drop of sauce.
- Steamed Rice: A great choice for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
- Lingonberry Jam: For a touch of classic Scandinavian sweetness, serve with a dollop of tart lingonberry jam.
What others are reading
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the meatball mixture together for the most tender texture.
- Uniform Size: Use a small ice cream scoop or your hands to roll meatballs of the same size for even cooking.
- Check Doneness: Meatballs are done when browned and no longer pink in the center. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is ideal.
- Customize Your Spices: Adjust nutmeg and allspice to taste, or add a dash of garlic powder and parsley for extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Prep in Advance: Shape the meatballs and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze for Later: After baking, let meatballs cool, then freeze in a single layer. Store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then warm in sauce before serving.
- Leftovers: Store cooked meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Nutrition Facts Table
| Component | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 487 kcal |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 31 g |
| Carbs | 21 g |
| Sodium | 512 mg |
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary with specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I make my Swedish meatballs gluten-free?
Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs and use your favorite gluten-free flour in the gravy. Always check broth and other ingredients for hidden gluten.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Substitute an equal amount of ground turkey or chicken. You may need to slightly adjust seasoning, as leaner meats may benefit from a touch more moisture and flavor.
What makes Swedish meatballs different from Italian meatballs?
Swedish meatballs use spices like nutmeg and allspice for warmth and are served with a cream-based sauce. Italian meatballs rely more on herbs and are typically served with tomato sauce.
How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart?
Moistened bread acts as a binder. Make sure to fully squeeze any excess moisture from bread if very soggy, and don’t skip the egg yolks, which help hold the mixture together.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
For a shortcut, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs. Add a dash of allspice and nutmeg to the sauce to boost traditional flavor, then simmer the frozen meatballs in the finished gravy until heated through.
Variation Ideas
- Add Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley in the meatball mixture for extra brightness.
- Try Different Meats: Half beef and half pork make for a juicy, flavorful result. Ground chicken works well, too.
- Cheesy Center: Hide a small cube of mozzarella or gouda inside each meatball for a gooey surprise.
Complete Step-by-Step Summary
- Soak bread cubes in milk until fully moistened.
- Mix bread, ground meat, onion, egg yolks, seasonings, then shape into 1-inch rounds.
- Bake on a prepared sheet pan at 400°F until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare creamy gravy with butter, flour, broth, and finish with sour cream.
- Add meatballs to sauce, simmer, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Swedish Meatballs: A Timeless Favorite
With their creamy gravy and delicate seasonings, Swedish meatballs embody comfort food at its finest. This easy, oven-baked approach keeps weeknight or holiday prep stress-free. Cozy, craveable, and ready for your table—dig in and enjoy classic comfort made simple!
References
- https://ourtableforseven.com/pioneer-woman-swedish-meatballs/
- https://thecozycook.com/swedish-meatball-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32554880/turkey-swedish-meatballs-with-cauliflower-mash-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a104251/easy-baked-swedish-meatballs/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a46541560/pierogi-and-meatball-skillet-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbTvZBSPWIY
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