Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort food with tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce. This easy recipe combines simple ingredients to create a dish that’s perfect served over freshly cooked pasta.

Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped and divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 (10 ½ oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3 tbsps sour cream
- Freshly cooked pasta, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, Panko breadcrumbs, nutmeg, one tablespoon of chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 2: Divide the mixture into about 20 meatballs.
- Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then transfer them to a plate. Pour off any excess fat from the skillet.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, combine the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and the remaining chopped parsley. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Step 5: Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover with a lid, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Step 6: Serve the meatballs and sauce over freshly cooked pasta and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of allspice along with the nutmeg.
- Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before adding the broth and soup for a richer sauce.
- Use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for juicier meatballs.
- Prepare meatballs ahead of time and freeze them uncooked for quick meals later.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground pork, turkey, or chicken if you prefer. Mixing beef and pork is also a popular option for more flavor and tenderness.
What can I serve instead of pasta?
Swedish meatballs are delicious served over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles. You can also try creamy polenta or steamed vegetables for a low-carb option.
PrintSwedish Meatballs Recipe
A classic Swedish Meatballs recipe featuring tender meatballs made with lean ground beef, seasoned with nutmeg and fresh parsley, simmered in a creamy mushroom sauce, and served over freshly cooked pasta. This comforting dish combines easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps for a hearty main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped and divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¾ cup beef broth
- 1 (10½ oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- Freshly cooked pasta, to serve
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the lean ground beef, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, Panko breadcrumbs, nutmeg, one tablespoon of chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
- Form the meatballs: Divide the meat mixture into approximately 20 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them evenly on all sides. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and discard any excess fat from the skillet.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the beef broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and the remaining chopped parsley. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to a simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Plate the meatballs with the creamy mushroom sauce over freshly cooked pasta for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, sauté mushrooms with the meatballs in the skillet before adding the sauce.
- Feel free to add a pat of butter to the pasta and sauce for richer taste.
- Meatballs can be prepped ahead of time and refrigerated before cooking to save time.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed based on your taste preference.
Keywords: Swedish meatballs, homemade meatballs, creamy mushroom sauce, easy dinner, comfort food, beef meatballs, pasta meal

