If you have ever dreamed of indulging in a cozy, classic comfort food that brings warmth to your soul, this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Imagine tender meatballs bursting with savory flavor, swimming in a luxuriously smooth creamy gravy, and that sweet-tart pop of lingonberry jam brightening each bite—pure magic on a plate. It’s a dish that embodies comfort and tradition, perfect for sharing with loved ones or elevating an everyday meal into something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential for crafting the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role, whether giving the meatballs their light and tender bite, enriching the creamy gravy, or adding the classic fruity contrast with lingonberry jam.
- Ground beef and ground chicken: Combining these creates juicy, tender meatballs with balanced flavor.
- Onion and garlic: Fresh aromatics that build the savory backbone of the meatballs.
- Dried oregano: Adds a gentle herbal warmth that complements the meat elegantly.
- Egg and breadcrumbs: Bind the meatballs together while keeping them irresistibly soft.
- Butter and olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs to a beautiful golden crust.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the creamy gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Beef broth and heavy cream: The heart of the luscious sauce that coats every meatball.
- Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard: Add depth, subtle tang, and complexity to the gravy.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly at every stage.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the plate with a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce: The sweet and tart finishing touch that makes the dish authentically Swedish.
How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the ground beef and chicken in a large bowl—that blend is what creates meatballs that are tender but full of flavor. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until everything just comes together. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so treat the mixture with care to keep it light and inviting.
Step 2: Shape and Chill the Meatballs
Once your mixture is ready, roll it into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This size ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy. Place them on a plate and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes—this chilling step helps them hold their shape during cooking, setting you up for the best texture.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil—a combo that prevents burning while giving you that gorgeous browning. Add your meatballs carefully, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook them, turning occasionally, until every side is beautifully browned and the meatballs are cooked through, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. This browning adds incredible depth of flavor that makes these meatballs irresistible.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Gravy
Using the same skillet, melt more butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and keep whisking constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste—this is your roux base. Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking to stay lump-free, then stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and season generously with salt and pepper. Let it simmer gently until the gravy thickens and becomes silky smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes. This sauce is the heart of the Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Meatballs with Gravy
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and lovingly spoon the creamy gravy over them. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the meatballs to soak up all those rich flavors and the gravy to thicken just a touch more. This final touch elevates the dish and makes each bite a harmony of taste and texture.
How to Serve Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds not only a burst of vibrant green color but also a fresh, slightly peppery brightness that cuts through the richness of the gravy. It’s a simple touch that makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Traditional Swedish meatballs shine when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles—they soak up the gravy beautifully. For a fresh contrast, steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad bring a refreshing crunch and lighten the plate. Don’t forget the lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce on the side; the sweet-tart notes are classic and absolutely essential.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to surprise your guests, try serving these meatballs skewered with toothpicks as charming appetizers, paired with a small dollop of lingonberry jam on each. Alternatively, build a Scandinavian-inspired open-faced sandwich with rye bread, a few meatballs, gravy drizzle, fresh herbs, and lingonberry jam—comfort food reinvented with style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a night, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the meatballs and gravy completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or cream if the gravy thickens too much. Avoid microwaving to keep the meatballs tender and the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with just beef?
Absolutely! While the combination of beef and chicken creates a lighter texture, using only ground beef will still deliver deliciously flavorful Swedish meatballs with creamy gravy. Just be sure not to overmix for tender results.
What can I substitute for lingonberry jam?
If you can’t find lingonberry jam, cranberry sauce is a fantastic alternative that offers a similar sweet and tart contrast. Raspberry or red currant jams can also work well in a pinch.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after cooking?
Yes, Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe freezes wonderfully. Freezing cooked meatballs with the gravy ensures you can enjoy this comforting meal anytime with minimal effort.
How do I ensure the meatballs don’t fall apart?
Use the right balance of egg and breadcrumbs to bind the meat mixture, and avoid overmixing. Chilling the formed meatballs before cooking also helps them hold their shape when frying.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Sure! Ground pork or veal can be great additions or substitutes, either alone or in combination with beef and chicken, to customize the flavor and tenderness to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. From the tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs to the rich, creamy gravy and that unmistakable sweet tang of lingonberry jam, every element comes together to delight your senses. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy, heartwarming experience that will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Gravy and Lingonberry Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This classic Swedish Meatballs recipe features tender meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and chicken, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, and simmered in a rich, creamy gravy. Served with a side of lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce, this comforting dish brings authentic Scandinavian flavors to your table and is perfect for a hearty family meal.
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
- 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
To Serve
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, egg, and breadcrumbs. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape and Chill: Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Arrange them on a plate and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Set Aside Cooked Meatballs: Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside while you prepare the gravy.
- Prepare the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps. Stir in heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Simmer the Gravy: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the gravy thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine Meatballs with Gravy: Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon the gravy over them, and simmer together for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to heat the meatballs through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve the Swedish meatballs hot, accompanied by lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce on the side for a traditional touch.
Notes
- For best results, avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps maintain their shape.
- If you want a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour for the gravy.
- Lingonberry jam is traditional, but cranberry sauce makes a great alternative.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a complete meal.
