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Swedish Meatballs Recipe: Easy Tender Meatballs with Creamy Dill Sauce

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Tender Swedish meatballs made with a blend of beef and pork, simmered in a rich, creamy dill sauce. This comforting dish is quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%; swap with oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1/2 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing)
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (full-fat; use dairy-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (can swap with half-and-half)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice (optional for serving)
  • Lingonberry jam (optional for serving)
  • Extra fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Grate the onion finely, mince garlic, chop parsley and dill, and measure out spices and dairy. Set everything within arm’s reach.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef and ground pork. Add breadcrumbs, milk, grated onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined. If sticky, let rest for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Form mixture into 1-inch balls (about 24-28 meatballs) using slightly damp hands. Place on a plate or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and chill if prepping ahead.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high. Add meatballs in batches, browning on all sides for 6-8 minutes per batch. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate. (For baked version: bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden.)
  5. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour, cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in beef broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Lower heat. Whisk in sour cream, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy; do not boil.
  7. Return meatballs to skillet. Spoon sauce over meatballs, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes until cooked through and tender. Sauce will thicken slightly.
  8. Serve meatballs and sauce over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice. Garnish with extra dill or parsley and lingonberry jam if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs and flour. For dairy-free, substitute oat milk and dairy-free sour cream/cream. Browning the meatballs is key for flavor. Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Sauce should not boil after adding dairy. Meatballs and sauce freeze well. Serve with lingonberry jam for a classic Swedish touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish meatballs, creamy dill sauce, comfort food, beef and pork meatballs, easy dinner, family recipe, gluten-free option, dairy-free option, holiday recipe, potluck

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/swedish-meatballs-recipe-easy-tender-meatballs-with-creamy-dill-sauce/