the Best Swedish Meatballs

### **Instructions**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, finely chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is well combined, but avoid overworking the meat mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Once the mixture is prepared, use your hands to shape the meatballs into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). You can make them slightly larger or smaller depending on your preference, but uniformity will help them cook evenly.

#### **Step 2: Fry the Meatballs**
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the meatballs to the pan in batches, being careful not to overcrowd them. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.

#### **Step 3: Make the Gravy**
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour forms a smooth roux and turns a golden color.

Slowly pour in the beef broth while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Add the heavy cream and soy sauce, stirring until the gravy is smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

#### **Step 4: Combine the Meatballs and Gravy**
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and have absorbed some of the flavors from the sauce.

#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
Serve the Swedish meatballs hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice, and don’t forget the lingonberry jam on the side for an authentic touch. The rich gravy and tender meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

### **Why You’ll Love These Swedish Meatballs**

– **Tender and Flavorful:** The combination of beef and pork gives these meatballs a juicy, tender texture, while the seasoning with allspice and nutmeg creates a unique and comforting flavor profile.

– **Creamy Gravy:** The gravy is the perfect complement to the meatballs—creamy, rich, and savory. It adds a velvety smoothness that makes each bite even more delicious.

– **Easy to Make:** Despite being a comforting dish, Swedish meatballs are surprisingly easy to prepare. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a dish that’s ready to serve in under an hour.

– **Customizable:** You can adjust the spices or make the gravy lighter by reducing the cream or substituting with milk. Feel free to tweak the recipe based on your preferences!

– **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re serving Swedish meatballs for a cozy family dinner, holiday feast, or party appetizer, they’re sure to impress everyone at the table.

### **Tips for the Best Swedish Meatballs**

– **Use a mixture of beef and pork:** The combination of ground beef and pork is essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your meatballs. The pork adds fat and moisture, which makes the meatballs juicy and tender.

– **Don’t overmix the meat mixture:** When making the meatballs, mix the ingredients just until they’re combined. Overmixing can result in dense meatballs that are tough.

– **Brown the meatballs properly:** Be sure to brown the meatballs on all sides before simmering them in the gravy. This step adds flavor and helps to seal in the juices, making the meatballs even more tender.

– **Make ahead:** You can make the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just thaw them before cooking, and proceed with the recipe as usual.

– **Serve with lingonberry sauce:** Lingonberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to Swedish meatballs. Its sweet-tart flavor complements the savory meatballs and gravy beautifully. You can find it at most grocery stores, or make your own at home!

### **Conclusion**

These Best Swedish Meatballs are a perfect balance of rich, savory flavors, with tender meatballs swimming in a creamy, flavorful gravy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just craving something comforting, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Serve them with your favorite sides, and don’t forget the lingonberry jam for that authentic Swedish touch. Once you try these, they’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!