Delicious Swedish Meatballs Recipe in One-Pan – 30 Minute Recipe

A Classic Comfort Dish with a Rich, Creamy Sauce

Swedish meatballs are a timeless comfort food, known for their tender texture and creamy, flavorful sauce. Traditionally served with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes, this dish has Scandinavian roots and has gained global popularity. This easy, one-pan version is perfect for busy weeknights, bringing all the rich flavors you love in just 30 minutes.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/4 cup Fage sour cream (or any natural sour cream)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions:

• Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add finely diced onions and cook until caramelized and golden.
• Remove and let cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

• In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, allspice, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the caramelized onions and mix until well combined.

3. Shape the Meatballs:

• Divide the mixture into small portions and shape into meatballs (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter).

4. Cook the Meatballs:

• Heat a drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium heat.
• Sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes).
• Remove them from the pan and set aside.

5. Make the Sauce:

• Without cleaning the pan, melt the butter.
• Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.
• Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Enhance the Flavor:

• Stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
• Mix well.

7. Combine Everything:

• Return the seared meatballs to the pan, coating them with the sauce.
• Let them simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.

8. Serve:

• Serve the Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or rice for a comforting, one-pan dinner.
• Enjoy!

Expert Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, use a mix of ground beef and pork.
• To add depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth before making the sauce.
• For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
• Try a low-carb option by serving over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~18g
• Fat: ~32g
• Dietary Labels: High-protein, low-carb-friendly

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• How to freeze and reheat meatballs

FAQ

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and shape the meatballs, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

2. What can I use instead of allspice?

A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (equal parts) works as a great substitute.

3. Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, then add them to the sauce.

4. What side dishes go well with Swedish meatballs?

Mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad are great options.

This easy, one-pan Swedish meatball recipe is a surefire way to bring warmth and flavor to your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight meal or a special gathering, this dish is bound to be a hit. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Discover more recipes here !

Happy cooking!