Creamy Swedish Meatballs with Rich Gravy

Ingredients You’ll Need

Meatballs

  • 500g ground beef (or beef + turkey mix)
  • ½ onion, finely grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but traditional)
  • 1 teaspoon parsley

Gravy

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt & pepper

Serving

  • Mashed potatoes or rice
  • Fresh parsley

## Step 1 – Make Super Tender Meatballs

In a bowl combine:

  • Beef
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Egg
  • Milk
  • Seasonings

Mix gently.

Don’t overwork the meat.

Overmixing = tough meatballs.

We want soft and juicy.

Form small balls (golf-ball size).

About 16–20 pieces.

## Step 2 – Brown the Meatballs

Heat oil or butter in skillet.

Add meatballs.

Cook on medium heat.

Turn occasionally.

You want:

Golden brown crust outside

Cooked inside

Don’t crowd pan.

Cook in batches if needed.

This browning step builds HUGE flavor.

Those brown bits = gravy magic later.

Remove and set aside.

## Step 3 – Make the Creamy Gravy

Same pan. Don’t wash it.

All that flavor stays.

Add butter → melt.

Add flour → whisk.

Cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

This removes raw flour taste.

Now slowly add:

Beef broth while whisking.

Then cream.

Sauce thickens beautifully.

Add Worcestershire.

Season to taste.

It becomes:

Smooth

Creamy

Silky

Glossy

Smells incredible.

## Step 4 – Combine Everything

Add meatballs back into gravy.

Spoon sauce over them.

Simmer 8–10 minutes.

They soak up flavor and become super juicy.

Sauce thickens even more.

At this point your kitchen smells like restaurant comfort food heaven.

## Step 5 – Serve Hot

Plate over:

Mashed potatoes

Rice

Egg noodles

Or even bread

Pour LOTS of gravy.

Don’t be shy.

Sprinkle parsley.

Boom.

Perfect cozy dinner.

## Texture & Taste Breakdown

Let’s talk bite:

Meatball → tender & juicy

Outside → lightly crisp

Sauce → creamy & rich

Overall → buttery, savory, comforting

It melts in your mouth.

Like beef + gravy clouds.

Dangerously addictive.

## Flavor Variations You Can Try

Want to switch it up?

Mushroom Gravy

Add sautéed mushrooms

Cheesy

Add parmesan to sauce

Spicy

Add chili flakes or paprika

Chicken Version

Use ground chicken or turkey

Garlic Lover

Double garlic in sauce

Same base recipe. Endless possibilities.

## Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs

Tip 1

Grate onion (keeps them juicy)

Tip 2

Don’t overmix meat

Tip 3

Brown well before gravy

Tip 4

Simmer gently, not boil

Tip 5

Serve immediately

These tiny tricks make a big difference.

## Storage Tips

Fridge:

3–4 days

Freezer:

2 months

Reheat:

Low heat + splash cream or broth

Actually tastes even better next day.

Meal prep win.

## Final Verdict: Eat or Pass?

Let’s be real.

Golden meatballs + creamy gravy + mashed potatoes?

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