Swedish Meatballs Recipe with a Creamy Pan Sauce

Name: Swedish Meatballs Recipe with a Creamy Pan Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Cuisine: Swedish-inspired
Ingredients: 60 g fine breadcrumbs; 120 ml milk; 500 g ground beef; 250 g ground pork; 1 whole small onion, finely grated; 1 whole large egg; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp butter or oil, for frying; 30 g butter, for sauce; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 500 ml beef or chicken stock; 150 ml heavy cream

Tender beef-and-pork meatballs with nutmeg in a creamy pan sauce.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 50 minMakes 4 to 6 servings

Jump to Recipe

Swedish meatballs combine beef and pork with breadcrumbs, onion and warm spice, then simmer briefly in a creamy pan sauce. The source includes eggs and breadcrumbs but does not soak the crumbs, so this version softens them in milk for a tender texture. Brown the meatballs in batches and finish cooking them in the sauce; use a thermometer to confirm the ground meat is safe. The sauce uses the browned pan fond, stock and cream. Serve with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam or a crisp cucumber salad. Stir breadcrumbs and milk together; let stand 5 minutes. Add beef, pork, onion, egg, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Mix gently until combined. Shape into 24 small balls. Heat 1 tbsp butter or oil in a large skillet. Brown meatballs in batches, turning, then transfer to a plate.

Swedish Meatballs Recipe with a Creamy Pan Sauce

How to tell when it is ready

Meatballs reach 71°C (160°F); sauce is smooth and lightly thickened.

Tips

Soak breadcrumbs in milk first.
Mix the meat only until combined.
Brown the meatballs in batches.
Simmer gently after adding cream.

Troubleshooting

If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
If browning too quickly, lower the heat and cover loosely.

Substitutions

Use a similar neutral cooking oil.
Choose a suitable dairy-free alternative where practical.

Variations

Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Add a suitable seasonal ingredient without changing the cooking cues.

Serving suggestions

Serve with mashed potatoes.
Add lingonberry or cranberry jam.
Offer quick-pickled cucumber.
Pair with buttered egg noodles.

Make ahead

Prepare suitable components ahead and store them safely. Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently in sauce until steaming.

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently in sauce until steaming.

Food safety

Cook ground beef and pork meatballs to 71°C (160°F). Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat until steaming hot.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare suitable components ahead, chill them promptly and finish the dish shortly before serving.

How should I store swedish meatballs with cream sauce?

Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently in sauce until steaming.

Serve with mashed potatoes. Refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat gently in sauce until steaming.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Swedish Meatballs Recipe with a Creamy Pan Sauce