Swedish Meatballs are a classic comfort food known for their rich, creamy sauce and tender, flavorful meatballs. This recipe offers a delicious way to make this beloved dish at home, perfect for serving over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: The base of the meatballs, providing rich flavor.
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and adds texture.
- ¼ cup milk: Moistens the breadcrumbs, making the meatballs tender.
- ½ cup chopped onion: Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: For a hint of sharp, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dry oregano): Adds an earthy, slightly bitter taste.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For frying the meatballs.
- 5 tablespoons butter: Used in making the roux for the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce.
- 2 cups beef broth, warmed up: The base of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the meaty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a bowl, soak the panko breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes until absorbed. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, oregano, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small, round meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook them until they are browned on all sides and fully cooked. Once done, take the meatballs out of the skillet and set them aside for later use.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the warmed beef broth until smooth. Add the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce:
- Return the meatballs to the skillet with the sauce. Simmer on low heat for a few minutes until the meatballs are heated through and coated with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the Swedish Meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped oregano if desired. They can be served over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Meatball Size: Keep the meatballs uniformly sized for even cooking. A small ice cream scoop or spoon can help.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little more beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: For a traditional touch, serve with lingonberry jam on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Swedish Meatballs, a cozy and satisfying meal that brings a taste of Sweden to your table.
