Are you craving a delicious and comforting meal for a cold day? Look no further than Swedish meatballs with cream or white sauce! This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it's also great for meal prepping and can be served as an appetizer or main course. Plus, with the option to make it gluten-free, it's a kid-friendly and versatile dish for any occasion. And the best part? A serving of 100 grams is only 159 calories!

These flavorful meatballs are made with a blend of beef and pork, seasoned with a mix of spices, breadcrumbs, and onions. Paired with a creamy sauce, they are perfect for topping over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. Not only are they delicious, but they also provide protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

In this article, we'll provide practical tips and strategies for making the perfect Swedish meatballs with cream or white sauce, and how to adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs and preferences.

Perfect comfort food for cold days

To really capture the essence of comfort food, serve these meatballs hot and fresh out of the oven, with a side of mashed potatoes or crispy roasted vegetables. For an added touch of comfort, you can also season the meatballs with nutmeg and allspice, which are traditional spices used in Swedish cuisine.

Easy to prepare

To start, mix ground beef and pork with breadcrumbs, eggs, onions, and spices. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, then pan-fry them until they are browned and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Next, make the cream or white sauce by combining heavy cream, beef broth, flour, and butter in a saucepan. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy. Finally, add the meatballs to the sauce and let them cook for a few minutes until they are fully coated and heated through. Serve hot and enjoy!

Great for meal prepping

To meal prep, simply make a large batch of the meatballs and sauce as the recipe directs, then divide them into individual portions and store them in airtight containers or freezer bags. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the desired portion in the microwave or on the stovetop until it's piping hot and enjoy!

Delicious on top of pasta or rice

To serve the meatballs with pasta, simply boil your favorite pasta until it's cooked to your liking, then toss it with the sauce and meatballs. For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top. To serve the meatballs with rice, cook your desired type of rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop, then serve with the sauce and meatballs on top. You can also add some steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for a balanced and nutritious meal.

Can be served as an appetizer

To really wow your guests, you can also make a homemade cranberry sauce or lingonberry jam to serve alongside the meatballs. The sweet and tangy flavors complement the savory meatballs perfectly. Or, for a more classic appetizer, serve the meatballs with a side of mashed potatoes and lingonberry compote, and let your guests build their own mini Swedish meatball plates.

Ideal for parties or gatherings

To make the dish extra festive, consider making a DIY meatball bar, with different types of meatballs (such as beef, pork, or vegetarian), various sauces (such as barbecue, teriyaki, or buffalo), and lots of fun toppings (such as chopped herbs, cheese, or pickled vegetables). Your guests will love being able to create their own unique meatball plate! If you're hosting a potluck or a more formal party, you can also serve the meatballs as a main course, with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad. They are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages and tastes.

Rich in flavor

To make the dish even more flavorful, consider adding some extra herbs or spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika. You can also try swapping out the beef and pork for another type of ground meat, such as turkey, chicken, or lamb, for a different flavor and texture.

Can be made with beef, pork, or a combination of both

If you prefer a leaner meat, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork. Or, if you want a heartier, more flavorful option, you can try using ground lamb or veal. For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can use a meatless ground substitute, such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat, or even make your own mushroom or lentil-based meatballs.

Can be gluten-free with adjustments

You can also use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce instead of regular flour. Be sure to check all of the other ingredients for hidden sources of gluten, such as soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, and swap them out if necessary.

Kid-friendly

You can also get your kids involved in the cooking process by having them help roll the meatballs or stir the sauce. This will not only teach them valuable cooking skills, but it will also make them more excited to try the finished product. If your kids are hesitant to try the meatballs, try serving them with some fun dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard, to entice them.