Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly golden-brown meatballs, smothered in a creamy, rich sauce that transports you straight to the cozy kitchens of Sweden. These oven-baked Swedish meatballs are not just a meal; they're a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Forget boring weeknight dinners – this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that combines traditional Swedish flavors with easy home cooking techniques!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Swedish
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the meatballs.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, finely chopped onion, egg, allspice, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Once the mixture is well combined, form the meat mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- After all the meatballs are shaped and placed on the baking sheet, bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one open; the inside should be no longer pink.
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat the beef broth over medium heat. Once it’s warmed, stir in the sour cream until it is well mixed and smooth. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and transfer them to the saucepan with the sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce and allow them to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve the Swedish meatballs warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, lingonberry sauce, or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips
- Mix the meat mixture gently to keep the meatballs tender – overmixing can make them tough and dense.
- Use a cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniformly sized meatballs for even cooking.
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Check the internal temperature of meatballs – they should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
- If the sauce seems too thick, thin it with a little extra beef broth.
- Serve immediately after coating with sauce to maintain the perfect texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
