If you have ever dreamed of a dish that perfectly balances comforting, savory flavors with a touch of sweet tang, then you will fall head over heels for this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs kissed with fragrant herbs, bathed in a luxuriously smooth gravy, and finished with a dollop of bright, fruity lingonberry jam that cuts through the richness in the most delightful way. This recipe is a celebration of classic Scandinavian comfort food, bringing warmth to your table and smiles to your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the well-rounded mix of beef and chicken to the dreamy creamy sauce, and the vibrant pop of lingonberry jam. These simple, honest ingredients come together to create an unforgettable dish that’s both hearty and elegant.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Provides rich, savory depth and a meaty texture essential for the classic Swedish meatball.
- Ground chicken (1 pound): Adds lightness and keeps the meatballs tender and moist, balancing the beef’s heartiness.
- Small onion, finely chopped (1): Offers subtle sweetness and aromatic qualities that elevate the meat mixture.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Infuses the meatballs with a warm, fragrant punch without overpowering.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): A nod to traditional herbs that adds a gentle earthiness and complexity.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season generously to bring every component to life and enhance natural flavors.
- Large egg (1): Acts as a binding agent, helping the meatballs hold their shape beautifully.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Keeps the meatballs light and ensures a soft, tender bite every time.
- Butter (4 tablespoons total): Used in two stages, it’s essential for browning the meatballs and creating the silky roux for the gravy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the meatballs perfectly without sticking and adds a fruity undertone.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Forms the base of the creamy gravy, providing body and richness.
- Beef broth (1 cup): Introduces a deep meaty flavor that enhances the sauce’s savory backbone.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the gravy incredibly smooth and luscious, balancing the spices gracefully.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a tangy umami boost that rounds out the gravy’s taste.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle sharpness and complexity to the sauce, creating that signature flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, herbal finish that brightens every bite.
- Lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce: The iconic Scandinavian sweet accompaniment that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy gravy.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
The foundation of this dish is the perfectly seasoned meatball. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef and chicken with finely chopped onions, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and breadcrumbs last, mixing just until everything is evenly incorporated. This careful mixing ensures your meatballs stay tender, avoiding the dreaded dense texture.
Step 2: Shape and Chill
Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about one to one and a half inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook through perfectly while maintaining a juicy interior. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes so they hold together during cooking and develop a better texture.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In batches, add the chilled meatballs, giving each side a turn until they’re gorgeously browned and cooked through, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step — the browned crust adds incredible flavor that lifts the entire dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Gravy
Using the same skillet (because all those little browned bits are flavor gold!), melt additional butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for about a minute until it’s bubbling but not browned. Slowly add the beef broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, then stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer until thick and silky, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy gravy. Let everything simmer together for another five minutes so the meatballs soak up the saucy goodness and all the flavors marry beautifully.
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is the perfect way to add a bright, fresh color contrast to the creamy, browned meatballs. It also adds a subtle herbal note that refreshes each bite.
Side Dishes
Serve these meatballs on a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up every drop of that luscious gravy. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad can help balance the richness with crisp freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the meatballs on small toasts or rye bread slices for an elegant appetizer. Another great idea is to layer the meatballs and gravy over a creamy polenta base, adding a modern touch to this traditional recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for a quick and hearty meal whenever you need it.
Freezing
You can freeze both the cooked meatballs and the creamy gravy separately or together. Place them in a freezer-safe container, and they will keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for planning meals ahead or busy weeknights.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the meatballs gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave them in short bursts, stirring the gravy occasionally. Adding a splash of beef broth or cream can help restore the luxurious texture of the gravy.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs with just one type of meat?
Absolutely! Using only ground beef or only ground chicken will still produce tasty meatballs, but blending the two gives a lovely balance of flavor and tenderness that is quite special.
What can I use if I don’t have lingonberry jam?
If lingonberry jam is hard to find, cranberry sauce is a fantastic alternative that brings a similar sweet-tart brightness, complementing the creamy gravy beautifully.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Chilling the meatballs before cooking and not overmixing the meat mixture are key tips. Also, handle them gently when turning in the pan to keep them intact.
Can I make the Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch for the gravy, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! These meatballs reheat beautifully and can be prepped in advance, making them a perfect candidate for meal prepping, ready to jazz up your dinners during busy days.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe is a true classic that never fails to impress with its perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to bring satisfaction and joy at the dinner table. Give it a try — I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
Classic Swedish Meatballs featuring a flavorful blend of ground beef and chicken, simmered in a creamy, savory gravy made with beef broth, heavy cream, and aromatic seasonings. Served traditionally with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce, these tender meatballs offer a comforting, authentic Nordic dining experience perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking Fat
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Gravy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground chicken, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, large egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined to ensure tender meatballs.
- Shape and Chill: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to help them set.
- Heat Cooking Fat: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Add meatballs to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd. Sauté, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and thoroughly cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove Meatballs: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and set aside to rest.
- Start the Gravy: Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat for the gravy base.
- Make Roux: Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour constantly for about 1 minute, creating a smooth roux to thicken the gravy.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in 1 cup beef broth, ensuring no lumps, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Return meatballs to the skillet, spoon gravy over them, and gently stir to coat.
- Simmer and Meld Flavors: Simmer everything together for an additional 5 minutes to heat through and let the flavors blend beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve the Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce for a traditional touch.
Notes
- Refrigerating meatballs before cooking helps them hold their shape and improves texture.
- Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even browning.
- Adjust seasoning of gravy to taste before serving.
- Lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory meatballs.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal.
