Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry or Cranberry Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberry or Cranberry Sauce, a classic Nordic dish brimming with rich and hearty goodness. These tender meatballs are made from a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned with warm spices like allspice and nutmeg, and bound together with milk-soaked breadcrumbs for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Simmered in a creamy, velvety gravy made from beef broth and heavy cream, they pair perfectly with the sweet-tart pop of lingonberry or cranberry sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and served over buttery mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Easy to make and deeply satisfying, it’s a must-try recipe that brings authentic Scandinavian charm to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef
• 250 grams ground pork
• 60 grams breadcrumbs
• 120 milliliters milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small, finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves, minced garlic
• 0.5 teaspoons ground allspice
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 30 grams butter
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 500 milliliters beef broth
• 200 milliliters heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 200 grams lingonberry or cranberry sauce
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to soak.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3

Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should have around 20-25 meatballs.

Step 4

Heat the butter and vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding, browning them on all sides. This should take about 7-8 minutes total per batch. Remove the cooked meatballs and set them aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the flour and whisk it into the fat left in the skillet to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 6

Gradually add the beef broth to the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once the broth has been fully incorporated, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the gravy. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.

Step 8

Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, topped with fresh parsley if desired, alongside lingonberry or cranberry sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2001.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3421.5

Total Fat 240.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 101.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.0g
Cholesterol 768.0mg	0%
Sodium 3461.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 138.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g	0%
Total Sugars 64.8g
Protein 170.5g	0%

Vitamin D 54.5IU	0%
Calcium 385.0mg	0%
Iron 15.3mg	0%
Potassium 2065.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.7%

Protein: 20.0%

Carbs: 16.3%