Creamy Swedish Meatballs Delight
This Creamy Swedish Meatballs Delight is a game-day favorite that's perfect for tailgating or any gathering. Richly flavored and packed with savory goodness, these meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish. Infused with aromatic spices and complemented by a creamy, velvety sauce, each bite is a tantalizing experience. Serve them over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy. This recipe suggests using half-and-half for an extra creamy texture, but feel free to adjust with milk for a lighter version. Ground turkey or chicken can substitute half of the beef for a healthier alternative, while still ensuring you have the flavorful drippings needed to create that rich sauce. Prepare to impress your friends and family with this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish!
N/A
Servings
650
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Plain or seasoned, for flavor absorption.)
Milk
3/4 cup (Use whole milk or half-and-half for creaminess.)
Ground Beef
1 lb (Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.)
Egg
1 (Slightly beaten.)
Onions
3 tablespoons (Chopped.)
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (To taste.)
White Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For flavor.)
Ground Allspice
1/4 teaspoon (Adds warmth.)
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons (For browning.)
All-purpose Flour
2 tablespoons (For thickening the sauce.)
Beef Bouillon Cube
1 (To enhance the meat flavor.)
Boiling Water
3/4 cup (To dissolve bouillon.)
Half-and-Half
1/2 cup (For a creamier sauce.)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of milk. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes or until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk and become soft.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, chopped onions, salt, white pepper, allspice, and the breadcrumb mixture. Mix thoroughly using your hands or a spatula until well combined.
3
Shape the mixture into meatballs, roughly 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside on a plate.
4
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides for about 10-15 minutes, transferring finished meatballs to a large bowl as they are done.
5
Once all meatballs are browned and removed, carefully pour out excess fat from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
6
Sprinkle the flour into the drippings in the pan and stir with a wooden spoon until smooth, forming a roux.
7
Gradually add 3/4 cup boiling water along with the beef bouillon cube, stirring continuously until the bouillon dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
8
Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the half-and-half and remaining 1/2 cup of milk. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to simmer.
9
Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 3 minutes or until thickened while continuously stirring to prevent lumps.
10
Gently add the meatballs back into the skillet and toss to coat them in the creamy sauce. Allow them to warm through for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
45g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
47.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Swedish Meatballs Delight?
It is a savory, rich meatballs dish served in a velvety gravy, perfect for game days, tailgating, or family gatherings.
What meat is used in this Swedish meatballs recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground beef, though you can use lean ground beef or substitute half with ground turkey or chicken.
How can I make the meatballs healthier?
You can substitute half of the beef with ground turkey or chicken and use milk instead of half-and-half for a lighter version.
What should I serve with these meatballs?
It is highly recommended to serve these meatballs over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious gravy.
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Using half-and-half instead of regular milk will provide an extra creamy and rich texture to the sauce.
What is the secret to the signature flavor of these meatballs?
The combination of white pepper and ground allspice provides the aromatic warmth and traditional savory flavor.
Why do I need to soak the breadcrumbs in milk?
Soaking breadcrumbs for 10 minutes allows them to absorb the milk, ensuring the meatballs are soft and moist.
How large should I roll the meatballs?
The recipe suggests shaping the mixture into meatballs roughly 1 inch in diameter.
What kind of breadcrumbs can I use?
You can use either plain or seasoned breadcrumbs based on your preference for flavor absorption.
How long does it take to brown the meatballs?
The meatballs should be browned in a frying pan for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
How do I make the gravy base?
Create a roux by stirring flour into the leftover meat drippings and butter in the pan until smooth.
How do I use the beef bouillon cube?
Dissolve the bouillon cube in 3/4 cup of boiling water before gradually adding it to the flour roux.
What prevents the sauce from having lumps?
Stirring continuously while adding the liquids and throughout the simmering process helps prevent lumps.
How many calories are in this recipe?
There are approximately 650 calories in this recipe.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This Swedish Meatballs Delight contains 47.5g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 45g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in the dish?
The dish has 37.5g of carbohydrates.
What role does the egg play in the recipe?
The slightly beaten egg acts as a binding agent to keep the meatballs together during cooking.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 13 ingredients required for this recipe.
Can I use butter or margarine for frying?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of either butter or margarine for browning the meatballs.
What if I overcrowd the pan while browning?
It is better to brown the meatballs in batches to ensure they brown evenly and don't steam.
What kind of onions are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 3 tablespoons of finely chopped onions.
How long should the sauce cook to thicken?
Once the mixture begins to simmer, allow it to cook for an additional 3 minutes to reach the desired thickness.
Why is white pepper used instead of black pepper?
White pepper is used for its specific flavor profile and to keep the creamy sauce visually smooth.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, it is described as a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for parties and gatherings.
How much milk is needed for the breadcrumb soak?
You should use 1/4 cup of the milk to soak the breadcrumbs at the start.
When do I put the meatballs back into the sauce?
Add the meatballs back into the skillet after the sauce has thickened, tossing them to coat.
How much boiling water is needed for the bouillon?
You will need 3/4 cup of boiling water to properly dissolve the bouillon cube.
Should the meatballs be warmed through before serving?
Yes, after adding them back to the sauce, allow them to warm through for a few minutes.
Can I use chicken bouillon instead of beef?
The recipe calls for beef bouillon to enhance the meat flavor, but you could use chicken if substituting the meat with poultry.