Introduction:
Swedish Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy are a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. This classic Swedish recipe features tender meatballs made from ground beef and pork, served in a rich and creamy mushroom gravy. The combination of savory meatballs and the creamy, flavorful gravy makes this dish irresistible. It’s traditionally served with mashed potatoes or lingonberry sauce, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
2 tbsp butter (for frying)
For the Mushroom Gravy:
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for added depth)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Heat 2 tbsp of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Mushroom Gravy:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook over medium heat until they release their moisture and become golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps, and bring the gravy to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Meatballs and Gravy:
Return the meatballs to the skillet with the gravy, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the meatballs to soak in the gravy and the flavors to meld together.
Serve:
Garnish the meatballs with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
Description:
Swedish Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for satisfying your comfort food cravings. The meatballs are juicy and tender, while the rich mushroom gravy adds depth and creaminess to the entire dish. Traditionally served with mashed potatoes or Swedish lingonberry sauce, this dish is a complete meal that will warm you up on a cold day. The combination of spices in the meatballs and the earthy mushrooms in the gravy create a balanced and mouthwatering experience.
Tips:
Use a mix of meats: The combination of ground beef and ground pork gives the meatballs a balanced flavor and keeps them juicy. However, you can use all beef or all pork if preferred.
Chill the meatballs: If you have time, chill the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before shaping them. This helps them hold together better while cooking.
Gravy thickness: If the gravy becomes too thick, simply add a little more beef broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Make-ahead: You can make the meatballs and gravy ahead of time. Refrigerate them separately and reheat them before serving.
Variations:
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat (like Beyond Meat) to make vegetarian Swedish meatballs and pair with a vegetable-based gravy.
Herb Variation: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the gravy for extra flavor.
Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the gravy or mix a little sriracha into the meatball mixture.
Corrections:
If the meatballs fall apart during cooking, they may have too much moisture in the mixture. Add more breadcrumbs to help bind them together.
If the gravy is too thin, allow it to simmer a little longer to thicken, or mix a small amount of flour with water to create a slurry and whisk it in to thicken it up.
Enjoy:
Serve these delicious Swedish Meatballs with Mushroom Gravy alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal. They’re perfect for cozy family dinners, special occasions, or anytime you’re in the mood for something rich and flavorful!