Print

Creamy Swedish Meatballs Recipe with Easy Tangy Lingonberry Sauce

creamy swedish meatballs - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting Swedish meatballs recipe featuring juicy meatballs in a silky cream sauce paired with a tangy lingonberry sauce, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • ½ cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup lingonberry jam
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional: fresh lingonberries or cranberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, onion, egg, salt, pepper, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Wet hands and roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1 ½ inches diameter). Set aside.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat skillet over medium heat with butter or oil. Brown meatballs on all sides until golden but not fully cooked, about 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to plate.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in beef broth, scraping browned bits. Add cream, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
  5. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return meatballs to skillet, nestle in sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes or until meatballs reach 160°F internal temperature. Stir occasionally.
  6. Prepare Lingonberry Sauce (Optional): Warm lingonberry jam with lemon juice until slightly runny.
  7. Serve: Spoon meatballs and sauce onto plates, drizzle with lingonberry sauce, and garnish if desired.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep them tender. Brown meatballs on medium heat to develop a golden crust without burning. Whisk sauce continuously to avoid lumps. Add broth or cream if sauce thickens too much. Lingonberry sauce can be warmed separately to loosen consistency. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. For dairy-free, substitute cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Swedish meatballs, creamy sauce, lingonberry sauce, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe, family meal

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-swedish-meatballs-recipe-with-easy-tangy-lingonberry-sauce/