Most weeks, I try to set aside one meal prep day per week. This allows me to move forward with my work and free up time for other things (like caring for my six children). Swedish Meatballs are a great make-ahead recipe for those who are hungry. Rich in protein and cooked in a flavorful creamy sauce.
best swedish meatballs
What do you think of when you think of Swedish meatballs? You probably think of Sunday dinner at grandma’s house or IKEA. It has been a staple food in Sweden for hundreds of years. Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry jam. More Americanized versions feature creamy gravy made from cornstarch or all-purpose flour roux.
Meatballs are made by mixing ground pork and ground beef with the addition of fine powder of nutmeg and are served over egg noodles. Other ingredients can include everything from Worcestershire sauce to Dijon mustard.
fresh twist
My take on classic Swedish meatballs is a little different, but just as flavorful. It’s made entirely with ground beef and seasoned with seasoned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley instead of nutmeg. Instead of heavy cream, use a mixture of cream cheese and high-protein Greek yogurt. They are the ultimate comfort food!
Some recipes call for a crockpot or slow cooker, but I prefer to make it on the stove. The kids eat my entire recipe in one sitting, so be sure to double or triple it if you want leftovers. If you want to meal prep, make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later. Reheat frozen meatballs on the stove, thaw them, and then simmer them in a cream sauce.
The sour cream and Greek yogurt add an extra layer of tartness, but enough salt and pepper balance it out.
What to serve with Swedish meatballs
These are most commonly served with egg noodles, but are not required. My family loves eating it with mashed potatoes. For a low-carb version, try it with these Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower “Potatoes.” You can also try it with spaghetti squash.
Swedish meatball recipe
A healthy twist on the classic Swedish meatball, this dish is tender and flavorful. It’s simmered in cream sauce, so it’s a comforting dish. Perfect to serve over mashed potatoes or as an appetizer for a crowd.
1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, minced 1 clove garlic, minced 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced 1 pound ground beef 1 large egg 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (gluten-free or homemade) Salt (kosher) 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups beef broth (reduced sodium) 3 ounces cream cheese (reduced fat) 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
Add the chopped parsley, stir and cook for another minute. Remove skillet from heat and allow mixture to cool.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooled onion and garlic mixture, eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix the meatball ingredients well.
Shape meat mixture into small bite-sized meatballs.
In the same skillet, sear the meatballs on all sides over medium heat, adding more olive oil if needed. Cook until completely cooked.
Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
Pour beef broth or beef stock into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
Add cream cheese to boiling soup, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
Stir in Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until well mixed.
Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet and coat with the creamy Swedish meatball sauce.
Cook the homemade meatballs over low heat until cooked through.
Season with additional salt and pepper.
Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Nutritional information table
Swedish meatball recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 237 Calories from fat 117
% daily value*
Fat 13g20%
Saturated fat 5g31%
Trans fatty acids 0.5g
1g polyunsaturated fat
6g monounsaturated fat
Cholesterol 85mg28%
Sodium 678mg29%
Potassium 409mg12%
Carbohydrate 7g2%
Dietary fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 21g42%
Vitamin A 339IU7%
Vitamin C 5mg6%
Calcium 75mg8%
Iron 2mg11%
*Percent daily intake is based on a 2000 calorie diet.
It’s also delicious served over mashed potatoes. Dried and blended sourdough is a good choice for breadcrumbs.
Need more appetizer ideas? My family loves these Bacon Chicken Bites. Perfect for a quick lunch.
What’s your favorite way to eat Swedish meatballs? Let us know by leaving a comment.
