Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy

Name: Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1/2 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1 large egg, beaten; 1/2 yellow onion, grated; 1/2 tsp ground allspice; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Tender pork-and-beef meatballs seasoned with allspice and nutmeg, simmered in a silky cream and beef broth gravy. Serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a warming Scandinavian-style comfort meal.

55 minMediumServes 4560 cal/serving

SwedishDinnerStovetopStandardHigh ProteinAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 lb ground pork
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 yellow onion, grated
1/2 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef (80/20), 1/2 lb ground pork, 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 1 beaten large egg, 1/2 grated yellow onion, 1/2 tsp ground allspice, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix until just combined - do not overwork. Roll into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter.
2

Melt half the 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a large wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer without crowding (work in batches if needed). Brown on all sides, about 5 to 6 minutes total. Check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Transfer browned meatballs to a plate.
3

Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the pan. Once melted, whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux turns lightly golden.
4

Gradually whisk in 2 cups beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5

Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tsp Dijon mustard. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the gravy is smooth and coats a spoon. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
6

Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through and coated in gravy. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley and serve over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy reach?

For Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy, the target internal temperature is 160 F (about 70 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why does Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy say not to overmix?

Step 1 reads: "Mix until just combined - do not overwork." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 1 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

What can I use instead of allspice in Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy?

The entry for Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy calls for 1/2 tsp ground allspice. In its place: Equal parts ground cinnamon, nutmeg and clove.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy uses 1 lb ground beef (80/20).

Can I make Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy is 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko; the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Swedish Meatballs with Cream Gravy contain eggs?

Yes: 1 large egg, beaten. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

Swedish Candy Salad dessert
Loubia (Green Bean and Tomato Stew) side
Boiled Yam Salad salad

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