Most weeks I try to meal prep one day a week. This helps me get ahead and have time for other things (like taking care of six kids). Swedish meatballs can be a good make-ahead recipe for anyone with a hungry mouth. They are high in protein and cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
The best Swedish meatballs
What comes to mind when you hear “Swedish meatballs”? Maybe you think of Sunday dinner at grandma’s house or at Ikea. They’ve been a staple dish in Sweden for hundreds of years. Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry jam. The more Americanized version, on the other hand, features a creamy sauce made from cornstarch or a regular flour roux.
The meatballs are made from a mixture of ground pork and beef with a hint of ground nutmeg and served over egg noodles. Other toppings can include anything from Worcestershire sauce to Dijon mustard.
A new touch
My take on classic Swedish meatballs is a little different, but just as tasty. They use ground beef and are seasoned with seasoned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley instead of nutmeg. And instead of heavy cream, I use a mixture of cream cheese and protein-rich Greek yogurt. They’re quintessential comfort food!
Some recipes use the slow cooker or crock pot, but I prefer to make them on the stovetop. The kids eat the whole recipe in one sitting, so be sure to double or triple the amount if you want leftovers. If you want to meal prep, make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for later. You can reheat frozen meatballs on the stovetop and once they’ve thawed, simmer them in the cream sauce.
The sour cream and Greek yogurt add a more tangy flavor, but it’s balanced out by just enough salt and pepper.
What to serve with Swedish meatballs?
These dishes are often served with egg noodles, but they’re not necessary. My family loves them with mashed potatoes. Try them with this Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower for a lower-carb version. You can even try them with spaghetti squash.
Swedish meatballs recipe
This healthy version of classic Swedish meatballs is tender and flavorful. They are slow-cooked in a creamy sauce for a comforting meal. They are perfect with mashed potatoes or served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 nail garlic (chopped)
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 pound Ground meat
- 1 big egg
- ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (gluten free or homemade)
- ½ teaspoonful salt (Edible according to Jewish law)
- ⅛ teaspoonful ground black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth (reduced sodium)
- 3 oz cream cheese (reduced fat)
- ½ cup plain greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- Chopped fresh parsley (to decorate)
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until tender and fragrant.
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Add the chopped parsley and cook for another minute. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooled onion-garlic mixture, egg, seasoned bread crumbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix meatball ingredients well.
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Form the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
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In the same skillet, brown the meatballs on all sides over medium-high heat, using additional olive oil if needed. Cook until fully cooked.
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Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside.
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Pour the beef broth or beef stock into the pan and simmer.
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Add the cream cheese to the simmering broth, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
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Add the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and stir until well combined.
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Return the cooked meatballs to the pan, covering them with the creamy Swedish meatball sauce.
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Simmer the homemade meatballs until heated through.
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Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Nutritional data
Swedish meatballs recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 237
Calories from fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13 g20%
Saturated fat 5g31%
Trans fats 0.5 g
Polyunsaturated fat 1 g
Monounsaturated fat 6 g
Cholesterol 85 mg28%
Sodium 678 mg29%
Potassium 409 mg12%
Carbohydrates 7 grams2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 21 g42%
Vitamin A 339UI7%
Vitamin C 5 mg6%
Calcium 75 mg8%
Iron 2 mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
- These taste delicious with mashed potatoes.
- For breadcrumbs, dry, mixed sourdough works well.
Need more appetizer ideas? My family loves these chicken and bacon bites. They’re also great for a quick lunch.
What is your favorite way to serve Swedish meatballs? Leave a comment and let us know!
