Most weeks I try to do it every week. Day of cooking. This helps me get ahead and have time for other things (like taking care of 6 kids!). Swedish meatballs can be a great appetizer for anyone with a hungry mouth. They are rich in protein and cooked in a fragrant cream.
The best Swedish meatballs
What do you think of when you hear Swedish meatballs? Maybe you think of Sunday dinner at Grandma’s or Ike’s. They have been staples in Sweden for centuries. Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry jam. The more American version instead features a creamy sauce made from cornstarch or an all-purpose flour roux.
Meatballs are made with ground pork and ground beef mixed with ground almonds and served over egg noodles. Other ingredients can include everything from Worcestershire sauce to Dijon mustard.
Hot twist
My take on the classic Swedish meatballs is a little different, but just as delicious. They use all ground beef and season it with spiced bread and ground parsley instead of nutmeg. And instead of heavy cream, I use cream cheese and a high-protein mix Greek yogurt. They are the ultimate comfort food!
Some recipes use a crockpot or slow cooker but I prefer to make these on the stove. The kids will eat the entire recipe at once, so be sure to double or triple if you want leftovers. If you want to prepare a meal, prepare the meatballs in advance and freeze them for later. You can reheat frozen meatballs on the stove and once they’re thawed, slather them in the cream sauce.
Sour cream and Greek yogurt add more flavor, but it is complemented by enough salt and pepper.
What is served in Swedish meatballs
These are often served with egg noodles but are not essential. My family loves them with mashed potatoes. Try them with these creamy garlic Mashed Cauliflower “Potato” For the low-carb version. You can even try it with spaghetti squash.
Swedish meatball recipe
This healthy twist on classic Swedish meatballs is tender and delicious. They are added to a creamy sauce for comfort food. Perfect over mashed potatoes or served as a crowd pleaser.
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 1 A little onion (finely ground)
- 1 Cloves White garlic (crushed)
- ¼ Cup Fresh parsley (crushed)
- 1 Pounds Ground beef
- 1 Big egg
- ¼ Cup Seasonal breadcrumbs (gluten-free or homemade)
- ½ tsp Salt (kosher)
- ⅛ tsp Ground black pepper
- 2 Cups Beef broth (reduced sodium)
- 3 Oz Cream cheese (reduced fat)
- ½ Cup Plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for decoration)
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, fry until soft and fragrant.
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Stir in the chopped parsley and cook for a further minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool.
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooled onion-garlic mixture, eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix the meatballs well.
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Shape the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
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In the same skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides over medium-high heat, using more olive oil if necessary. Cook until fully cooked.
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Remove the meatballs from the oven and set aside.
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Pour the beef broth or beef stock into the pan and simmer.
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Add cream cheese to boiling soup, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
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Stir in Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until well combined.
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Return cooked meatballs to pan, coat in creamy Swedish meatball sauce.
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Cook homemade meatballs on low heat until warm.
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Add more salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition facts
Swedish meatball recipe
Amount per service provider (1 time)
Calories 237
117 calories from fat
% Daily Value*
Fat 13 g20%
Saturated fat 5 g31%
Trans fat 0.5 g
Polyunsaturated fat 1 g
Monounsaturated fat 6 g
Cholesterol 85 mg28%
Sodium 678 mg29%
Potassium 409 mg12%
Carbohydrates 7 g2%
Fiber 1 g4%
Sugar 2 g2%
Protein 21 g42%
Vitamin A 339IU7%
Vitamin C 5 mg6%
Calcium 75 mg8%
Metal 2 mg11%
* Percent daily values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- These mashed potatoes have a sweet taste.
- For breadcrumbs, dry and mixed yeast work well.
Need some more recipe ideas? My family loves these Bacon Chicken Bites. They also work well for a quick breakfast.
What’s your favorite way to serve Swedish Meatballs? Leave a comment and let us know!
