Traditional Swedish Meatballs from Grandma

These comforting meatballs have been a family favorite for generations, packed with warm spices and tender texture. Perfect for cozy dinners, they bring a little taste of Sweden straight to your kitchen.

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TIME1 hr

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Traditional Swedish Meatballs from Grandma

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef ½ pound bulk pork sausage ¾ cup bread crumbs ½ onion, diced ½ cup milk 1 egg 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 ½ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon vegetable oil, or as needed Cream Sauce: 2 cups boiling water ¾ cup sour cream ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon paprika

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by combining the ground beef, sausage, bread crumbs, chopped onion, milk, egg, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper in a big bowl. Mix everything together well, then shape the mixture into small meatballs.

02

Step 2

Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meatballs in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan, turning them occasionally until they’re nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.

03

Step 3

While the meatballs are cooking, whisk together boiling water, sour cream, flour, paprika, and pepper in a deep saucepan over low heat. Once smooth, add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Let everything simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meatballs soak up those flavors.

04

Step 4

Serve warm and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal just like Grandma used to make!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use a mix of pork and beef for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overwork the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- Brown the meatballs well before simmering to develop deeper flavor.

Why you’ll love it

These meatballs are a beloved family favorite, packed with warm spices and a rich, creamy sauce. They bring comfort and nostalgia with every bite, making them perfect for cozy dinners and special gatherings.

Serving ideas

Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. Lingonberry jam and pickled cucumbers add a traditional tangy contrast that brightens the meal.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating gently.