Tender beef and pork meatballs seasoned with warm spices and simmered in a rich, creamy gravy made with beef broth, Dijon mustard, and a touch of Worcestershire for depth.
Course Dinner
Cuisine swedish
Keyword Swedish Meatballs, Swedish Meatballs Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, onion, egg, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently with your hands or a fork until just combined. Do not overmix. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
For the Gravy
Have the beef broth measured and ready. Set out the heavy cream and sour cream so they can be added smoothly once the sauce is made.
Stovetop Method
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown on all sides until well colored. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
In the same skillet, melt the butter, scraping up any browned bits. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden and nutty. Slowly whisk in the beef broth until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce if using, then simmer until slightly thickened.
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the heavy cream and sour cream until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Return the meatballs to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, cover, and simmer until the meatballs are fully cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or milk.
Slow Cooker Method
Prepare and brown the meatballs as described above, then transfer them to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet, melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and cook until golden. Slowly whisk in the beef broth until smooth, then add the Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce if using. Bring just to a gentle simmer, then pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW until the meatballs are tender and fully cooked, or on HIGH for a shorter cooking time. During the last portion of cooking, stir in the heavy cream and sour cream until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If needed, loosen the sauce with a splash of warm broth or milk before serving.
Video
Notes
Erren’s Top Tips
Brown the meatballs first, even if you plan to use the slow cooker. This step adds flavor and helps them hold their shape during long cooking.For the stovetop method, keep the heat low once the cream and sour cream are added. Gentle heat keeps the gravy smooth and prevents it from separating.If using the slow cooker, wait to add the cream and sour cream until the last 30 minutes so the sauce stays silky instead of grainy.The gravy will thicken as it sits. If it becomes too thick, loosen it gradually with warm broth or milk, stirring gently to keep it smooth.
Variations & Add-Ins
Use ground turkey for a lighter version, but expect a softer texture.
Add sautéed mushrooms to the gravy for extra depth.
Swap beef broth for chicken broth for a milder sauce.
Stir in a teaspoon of brown sugar if you like a hint of sweetness.
Storage & Freezing
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Freeze cooked meatballs in gravy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.