Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Introduction
Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort food, known for their tender texture and rich, savory flavor. These homemade meatballs combine ground beef with warm spices and sautéed onions for a perfectly balanced dish. Serve them with potatoes and gravy for an authentic Swedish experience.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 yellow onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Ground cumin, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel the yellow onion and chop it into small pieces.
- Step 2: Melt 1 ½ tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the chopped onions for about 4 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the milk. Let this mixture absorb the milk for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the ground beef, egg, salt, ground black pepper, and ground cumin to the breadcrumb mixture. Add the cooled sautéed onions as well. Mix everything until well combined.
- Step 5: Shape the mixture into meatballs of your preferred size and place them on a clean, damp cutting board.
- Step 6: Melt the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Cook the meatballs until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 7: Serve the meatballs with potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce for a traditional touch. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, soak the breadcrumbs in warm milk for up to 10 minutes before mixing.
- Try adding a pinch of allspice or nutmeg for a more authentic Swedish flavor.
- Substitute ground beef with a mix of beef and pork for richer taste and texture.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a lighter texture.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Swedish meatballs without onions?
Yes, you can omit the onions if you prefer, though they add moisture and flavor. Consider adding a splash of beef broth or a grated carrot to maintain moisture.
What is the best way to serve Swedish meatballs?
Traditionally, Swedish meatballs are served with creamy gravy, boiled or mashed potatoes, and a side of lingonberry or cranberry sauce for a sweet contrast.
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Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs 1x
Description
Classic Swedish Meatballs made with a flavorful blend of ground beef, sautéed onions, and warm spices, served golden brown and perfect alongside traditional sides like potatoes, gravy, and cranberry sauce.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 Large Egg
- 1.5 pound Ground Beef
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 Yellow Onion
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- Ground Cumin, to taste
Cooking
- 3 tablespoon Butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion: Peel the yellow onion and chop it into small pieces to create a flavorful base for the meatballs.
- Sauté Onions: Melt 1 ½ tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 4 minutes until they become tender and translucent. Remove from heat and let them cool.
- Soak Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with milk and allow the mixture to absorb the liquid for 5 minutes, creating a moist binder for the meat mixture.
- Mix Meatballs: Add the ground beef, egg, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin to the soaked breadcrumbs. Add the cooled sautéed onions. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Shape Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs of your preferred size and place them on a clean, damp cutting board to prevent sticking.
- Cook Meatballs: Melt the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of butter in the same skillet used for the onions. Add the meatballs and cook over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes, turning as needed for even cooking.
- Serve: Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, ideally accompanied by traditional sides such as mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and tangy cranberry sauce. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- The size of the meatballs can be adjusted according to personal preference.
- Using fresh breadcrumbs yields better texture than pre-packaged ones.
- Ground cumin adds a traditional savory note but can be adjusted to taste.
- Ensure meatballs are cooked through by cutting one open if uncertain.
- Consider adding fresh parsley or allspice for a more authentic flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Keywords: Swedish meatballs, ground beef recipe, traditional Swedish dish, easy meatballs, comfort food
