Armed with tradition and a handful of spices, the Swedish meatballs recipe is one of the most comforting dishes around. The secret to these savory spheres lies in the unique combination of spices such as allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom. Baked to perfection in the oven, they are then smothered in a rich, hearty gravy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these meatballs are sure to win your heart.
For this recipe, you may need to shop for some ingredients like allspice, nutmeg, and cardamom. These spices are not commonly found in every kitchen but are essential for achieving the authentic flavor. They are readily available in most supermarkets in the spice aisle. The heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce add a depth of flavor to the gravy, while the lingonberry jam serves as a traditional accompaniment, balancing the savory taste with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients for Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs
fresh crustless bread crumbs: These act as a filler for the meatballs and keep them moist.
nutmeg: This warm spice adds a unique flavor to the meatballs.
allspice: Allspice brings a hint of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg flavor.
cardamom: This aromatic spice adds depth to the flavor.
salt and pepper: Basic seasoning for taste.
butter: Used for sautéing and making the gravy.
onion: Adds sweetness and texture.
garlic: Enhances the flavor.
milk: Keeps the meatballs tender.
egg yolks: Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
ground beef and pork: The base of the meatballs. Mixture of beef and pork gives a rich flavor.
flour: Thickens the gravy.
beef broth: Adds a meaty flavor to the gravy.
heavy cream: Makes the gravy rich and creamy.
Worcestershire sauce: Gives a tangy, umami flavor to the gravy.
fresh parsley: Used for garnishing and adds a fresh taste.
One reader, Aggy Park says:
These oven-baked Swedish meatballs are a game-changer! The blend of spices and creamy sauce is simply divine. The meatballs come out tender and juicy, and the flavors are out of this world. This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves comfort food with a touch of elegance.
Techniques for Making Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs
How to prepare the meatball mixture: Combine the bread crumbs, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, salt, pepper, milk, egg yolks, and sautéed onion mixture in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss the mixture to evenly distribute the ingredients.
How to shape the meatballs: Scoop the meatball mixture out 1 ounce at a time and shape it into balls. Transfer the shaped meatballs to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
How to make the creamy sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add flour, and cook while whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Slowly pour in the broth and cream while whisking. Add Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. If a thicker consistency is desired, simmer over low heat for a few minutes.
How to serve the meatballs: Toss the meatballs in the warm sauce, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm with egg noodles or mashed potatoes. Lingonberry jam can be served on the side if desired.
How To Make Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are a classic European dish of mixed minced meats and spices served with a hearty gravy. This recipe provides an oven-baked alternative.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2ozfresh crustless bread crumbs,(about 1 cup)
- ¼tspnutmeg,each
- ¼tspallspice
- ¼tspcardamom
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4½tbspbutter,divided
- ⅔cupyellow onion,finely chopped
- 1tspclove garlic,minced
- ¼cupmilk
- 2large egg yolks
- ¾lbground beef
- ¾lbground pork
- 3½tbspall purpose flour
- 2cupslow sodium beef broth
- ⅓cupheavy cream
- 1tspWorcestershire sauce
- 1tbspfresh parsley,minced, optional
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed 18×13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil, spray with non-stick cooking spray.
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Add bread crumbs, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl. Pour in milk and toss with a fork, let rest while sautéing onions.
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Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onions and saute for about 6 minutes until softened and slightly golden brown, while adding garlic during the last 30 seconds.
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Add beef and pork to bread crumb mixture along with egg yolks and onion mixture. Gently toss mixture to evenly distribute ingredients.
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Scoop dough out 1 ounce at a time and shape into balls. Transfer to prepared baking sheet spacing evenly apart.
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Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until cooked through.
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Meanwhile in same skillet used to saute onions, melt remaining butter over medium-heat. Add flour and cook and whisk for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
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While whisking, slowly pour in broth and cream. Add in Worcestershire sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. For a thicker consistency simmer over low heat for a few minutes.
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Add meatballs to warm sauce and toss, sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm with egg noodles or mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 618.74kcal
- Fat: 47.32g
- Saturated Fat: 21.84g
- Trans Fat: 1.22g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.85g
- Carbohydrates: 18.02g
- Fiber: 1.37g
- Sugar: 3.38g
- Protein: 29.45g
- Cholesterol: 221.51mg
- Sodium: 747.87mg
- Calcium: 100.86mg
- Potassium: 685.26mg
- Iron: 3.46mg
- Vitamin A: 191.78µg
- Vitamin C: 3.55mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Swedish Meatballs
When forming the meatballs, try not to overwork the mixture as it can result in tough and dense meatballs. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until just mixed and then lightly shape into balls. This will ensure your Swedish meatballs are tender and juicy.
Time-Saving Tips for Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs
Prep ahead: Prepare the meatball mixture the night before and refrigerate. This will save time on the day of cooking.
Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the meatballs quickly and uniformly.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of meatballs and freeze half for a quick and easy meal in the future.
Organize ingredients: Measure and organize all ingredients before starting to cook to streamline the process.
Delegate tasks: Enlist the help of family or friends to assist with shaping the meatballs for a quicker prep time.
One-pan cooking: Consider using a large skillet to sauté the onions and make the sauce, then bake the meatballs in the same pan to minimize clean-up.
Prep station: Set up a designated prep station with all the necessary tools and ingredients to work efficiently.
Substitute Ingredients For Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs Recipe
fresh crustless bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs have a similar texture and will provide a crispy coating for the meatballs.
nutmeg - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon has a warm and slightly sweet flavor that can be used as a substitute for nutmeg in this recipe.
allspice - Substitute with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg mix: A combination of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg can mimic the flavor profile of allspice.
cardamom - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon can provide a warm and slightly sweet flavor similar to cardamom.
butter - Substitute with margarine or vegetable oil: Margarine or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion or shallots: White onion or shallots can provide a similar flavor profile to yellow onion in the meatball mixture.
clove garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic in this recipe.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk or soy milk: Unsweetened almond milk or soy milk can be used as a dairy-free substitute for milk in the meatball mixture.
egg yolks - Substitute with 1 whole egg: Using a whole egg instead of egg yolks can still provide binding and moisture to the meatball mixture.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey or chicken: Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in the meatball mixture.
ground pork - Substitute with ground veal or ground turkey: Ground veal or ground turkey can provide a similar texture and flavor to ground pork in the meatball mixture.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch: A gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce.
low sodium beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth or mushroom broth: Vegetable broth or mushroom broth can be used as a vegetarian or vegan alternative to beef broth in the sauce.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream or cashew cream: Coconut cream or cashew cream can be used as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream in the sauce.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce or tamari: Soy sauce or tamari can provide a similar umami flavor to Worcestershire sauce in the sauce.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro or dill: Fresh cilantro or dill can provide a similar herbaceous flavor to fresh parsley as a garnish for the meatballs.
Presenting Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs
Elevate the plating: Arrange the meatballs in a circular pattern on the plate, ensuring they are evenly spaced and visually appealing.
Incorporate color contrast: Add a vibrant pop of color to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, creating a visually appealing contrast against the rich, creamy sauce.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of negative space on the plate to allow the meatballs to stand out, creating an elegant and sophisticated presentation.
Emphasize symmetry: Arrange the meatballs and sauce in a symmetrical and balanced manner, creating a visually pleasing and harmonious presentation.
Highlight the sauce: Drizzle the luscious cream sauce around the meatballs, ensuring it complements the dish without overpowering the flavors.
Incorporate texture: Add a delicate touch by sprinkling a pinch of ground black pepper over the meatballs, providing a subtle textural element to the dish.
Use high-quality serving ware: Present the dish on a pristine, white porcelain plate to showcase the elegance and sophistication of the Swedish meatballs.
Add a touch of elegance: Place a small, edible microgreen on top of each meatball to add a touch of refinement and elevate the overall presentation.
Create a focal point: Position a single meatball in the center of the plate and arrange the remaining meatballs around it, creating a captivating focal point for the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle design: Use a squeeze bottle to create an artistic drizzle of the cream sauce on the plate, adding a touch of culinary artistry to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Swedish Meatballs
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking the meatballs to perfection.
- Baking sheet: Used to line and bake the meatballs in the oven.
- Skillet: Used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Whisk: Essential for stirring and combining ingredients, especially when making the sauce.
- Aluminum foil: Used to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining the bread crumbs, spices, and other ingredients for the meatballs.
- Measuring spoons: Used to accurately measure the spices and other ingredients.
- Measuring cups: Used to measure the milk and other liquid ingredients.
- Spatula: Used for shaping and transferring the meatballs onto the baking sheet.
- Tongs: Useful for turning and transferring the meatballs while baking.
- Whisk: Essential for stirring and combining ingredients, especially when making the sauce.
- Saucepan: Used for making the creamy sauce to coat the meatballs.
- Knife: Used for chopping onions and garlic.
- Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Rimmed baking sheet: Used for baking the meatballs and catching any drippings.
Storing and Freezing Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs
- Let the meatballs cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled meatballs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the meatballs:
- Arrange the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren't touching each other.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the meatballs are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen meatballs will keep for up to 3 months.
- To reheat frozen meatballs, place them in a covered dish and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the sauce on the stovetop over low heat.
- If you have leftover sauce, store it separately from the meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When reheating the sauce, you may need to add a little broth or water to thin it out, as it may thicken when chilled.
How to Reheat Leftover Swedish Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the swedish meatballs in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through. This method helps maintain the meatballs' moisture and prevents them from drying out.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through. Stir the meatballs halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
If you have leftover swedish meatball sauce, reheat it separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce is heated through, add the meatballs and simmer for a few minutes until they are warmed through. This method helps the meatballs absorb more flavor from the sauce.
For a crispy exterior, reheat the meatballs in a skillet. Add a small amount of butter or olive oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and have a crispy exterior. This method works best for meatballs that were not previously cooked in sauce.
If you have a lot of leftover meatballs, consider using a slow cooker. Place the meatballs and any leftover sauce in the slow cooker and heat on low for 2-3 hours, or until the meatballs are heated through. This method is ideal for large gatherings or potlucks, as it keeps the meatballs warm and moist for an extended period.
Interesting Fact About Swedish Meatballs
The Swedish meatballs recipe is a traditional dish in Sweden and is often served with lingonberry jam, which adds a sweet and tart flavor to the savory meatballs. Lingonberries are a staple in Swedish cuisine and are often used in jams, sauces, and desserts. They are rich in antioxidants and have a unique flavor that complements the richness of the meatballs. Lingonberry jam is a popular condiment in Scandinavian countries and is a delicious accompaniment to many dishes, adding a burst of flavor to the meal.
Is Making Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this oven-baked Swedish meatballs recipe is quite favorable for a household. The combination of ground beef and pork provides a cost-effective protein source, while the use of bread crumbs and spices adds flavor without breaking the bank. The addition of onions and garlic enhances the taste without significantly increasing the cost. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and budget-friendly option for a family meal. Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-$20.
Are Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs Healthy or Unhealthy?
The oven-baked Swedish meatballs recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- High saturated fat content from the butter, heavy cream, and fatty meats (beef and pork)
- Refined carbohydrates from the bread crumbs and all-purpose flour
- Lack of vegetables or fiber-rich ingredients
- High sodium content from the beef broth and added salt
However, the recipe does include some beneficial spices like nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom, which offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the ground beef and pork with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat
- Use whole wheat bread crumbs and flour to increase fiber content
- Reduce the amount of butter and heavy cream, or substitute with healthier alternatives like olive oil and low-fat milk
- Add vegetables to the meatball mixture, such as finely chopped spinach, carrots, or bell peppers, to increase nutrient density
- Use low-sodium beef broth and reduce the amount of added salt to control sodium intake
- Serve the meatballs with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables instead of egg noodles or mashed potatoes to create a more balanced meal
Editor's Opinion on This Swedish Meatball Recipe
The recipe for oven-baked Swedish meatballs is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of ground beef and pork, along with the aromatic spices, creates a rich and savory meatball. The creamy sauce, infused with the flavors of the meat, adds a luxurious touch to the dish. The method of baking the meatballs ensures a moist and tender result, while the addition of lingonberry jam provides a sweet and tangy contrast. This recipe is a wonderful representation of Swedish cuisine and is sure to impress with its comforting and satisfying flavors.
Enhance Your Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Oven-Baked Swedish Meatballs Recipe:
This recipe for oven-baked Swedish meatballs is a delightful fusion of traditional flavors and modern convenience. The combination of ground beef and ground pork creates a rich and savory base, while the aromatic blend of nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom adds depth and warmth. The creamy sauce, made with low sodium beef broth and heavy cream, is a luscious complement to the tender meatballs. With carefully curated ingredients and precise instructions, this recipe promises a delectable and authentic Swedish dining experience.
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