Most weeks I try to do one week meal preparation day. This helps me move forward and have time for other things (like taking care of 6 kids!). Swedish meatballs can be a good recipe to feed anyone with a hungry mouth. They are rich in protein and cooked in a delicious creamy sauce.
The best Swedish meatballs
What do you think of when you hear Swedish meatballs? Maybe you think of Sunday dinner at Grandma's or Ikea. They have been a staple in Sweden for hundreds of years. Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with berry jam. Instead, the more Americanized version features a creamy gravy made from a cornstarch or all-purpose flour.
The meatballs are made with a blend of ground pork and ground beef with a hint of ground nutmeg and served on egg noodles. Other ingredients can include everything from Worcestershire sauce to Dijon mustard.
A fresh twist
My take on the classic Swedish meatball is a little different, but just as tasty. They use all ground beef and are flavored with seasoned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley instead of nutmeg. And instead of heavy cream, I use a mixture of cream cheese and high protein Greek yogurt. They are the ultimate comfort food!
Some recipes use a crockpot or slow cooker, but I prefer to make them on the stove. The kids are I will eat the entire recipe in one sitting, so be sure to double or triple if you want leftovers. If you want to prepare the meal, then make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze for later. You can reheat the frozen meatballs on the stove and once they have thawed, boil them in the cream sauce.
Yogurt and Greek yogurt add more of a tart flavor, but it's balanced with just enough salt and pepper.
What should we serve with Swedish meatballs?
These are most often served with egg noodles, but are not necessary. My family loves them with mashed potatoes. Try it with these creamy garlic cloves mashed cauliflower “potatoes” for a low-carb version. You can also try them with spaghetti squash.
Swedish meatball recipe
This healthy twist on classic Swedish meatballs is tender and flavorful. They are simmered in a cream sauce for a comfort meal. Perfect over mashed potatoes or served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 carnation garlic (chopped)
- ¼ CUP fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 big egg
- ¼ CUP seasoned breadcrumbs (gluten free or homemade)
- ½ SPOON salt (Kosher)
- ⅛ SPOON ground black pepper
- 2 CUPS gravy (reduced sodium)
- 3 oz cream cheese (reduced fat)
- ½ CUP plain greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- chopped fresh parsley (for decoration)
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and garlic, fry until soft and fragrant.
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Stir in the chopped parsley and cook for an additional minute. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool.
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooled onion-garlic mixture, egg, seasoned breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix the 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 necessary. Cook until fully cooked.
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Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
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Pour the stock or beef stock into the pan and bring to a boil.
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Add the cream cheese to the stewing liquid, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
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Stir in Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until well combined.
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Return the cooked meatballs to the pan, basting them with the creamy Swedish meatball sauce.
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Cook the homemade meatballs over low heat until heated through.
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Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Nutrition facts
Swedish meatball recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
Calories 237
Calories from fat 117
% Daily Value*
Fat 13 g20%
Saturated fat 5 g31%
Trans fat 0.5 g
Unsaturated fat 1 g
Monounsaturated fat 6 g
cholesterol 85 mg28%
Sodium 678 mg29%
potassium 409 mg12%
Carbohydrates 7 g2%
Fiber 1 g4%
Sugar 2 g2%
Protein 21 g42%
Vitamin A 339 IU7%
Vitamin C 5 mg6%
Calcium 75 mg8%
Iron 2 mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- These delicious flavors over mashed potatoes.
- For breadcrumbs, dry, mixed dough works well.
Need more appetizer ideas? My family loves these bacon chicken bites. They also work well for a quick lunch.
What's your favorite way to serve Swedish meatballs? Leave a comment and let us know!
