Köttbullar are one of the most traditional dishes in Sweden. They are eaten across the whole country, both at home and in restaurants. The meatballs are small and soft. They are usually made with a mix of beef and pork. They are served with creamy brown sauce, mashed potatoes, and lingonberry jam. In Sweden, this dish is a classic family meal. This version keeps the traditional flavor and is easy to prepare at home.
😌 Difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Preparation time: 25 minutes
🔥 Cooking time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total time: 55 minutes
👥 Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 300 g ground beef
- 200 g ground pork
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 60 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 300 ml beef broth
- 100 ml cream
- Salt
- Black pepper
Typical side:
- Mashed potatoes
- Lingonberry jam (Swedish berry preserve)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix milk and breadcrumbs. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped onion, egg, soaked breadcrumbs, allspice, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix gently until combined. Do not overmix.
- Shape into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
- Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat.
- Fry the meatballs in batches for about 8-10 minutes, turning often, until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter for the sauce. Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Gradually add beef broth while stirring to avoid lumps.
- Add cream and simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the meatballs to the pan and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡
Make small meatballs. Smaller size keeps them tender and helps them cook evenly.