I usually try to meal prep every week so I can prepare ahead of time and have time for other things (like raising 6 kids). Swedish meatballs are a great make-ahead recipe for those hungry people who need to be fed. They’re packed with protein and cooked in a flavorful, creamy sauce.
The best Swedish meatballs
What comes to mind when you think of Swedish meatballs? Maybe you think of Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house or IKEA. Meatballs have been a staple in Sweden for hundreds of years. Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry jam. A more Americanized version instead uses a creamy gravy made from a cornstarch or all-purpose flour roux.
The meatballs are made with a mixture of ground pork and beef with a pinch of nutmeg and served over egg noodles, and other ingredients include everything from Worcestershire sauce to Dijon mustard.
A fresh twist
My recipe for Swedish meatballs is a little different, but the flavor is the same. I use all ground beef, season with seasoned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley instead of nutmeg, and use a mix of cream cheese and high protein Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. The ultimate comfort food!
Some recipes call for a crockpot or slow cooker, but I like to make mine on the stove. My kids eat the entire recipe in one sitting, so be sure to double or triple the portions if you want leftovers. If you want to meal prep, make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Reheat the frozen meatballs on the stove, then simmer them in a cream sauce once thawed.
The addition of sour cream and Greek yogurt adds a tart flavor, but a healthy dose of salt and pepper balances it out.
What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
These are most commonly served with egg noodles, but that’s not necessary. My family loves to have them with mashed potatoes. For a low-carb version, try them with creamy garlic mashed cauliflower “potatoes.” You could also have them with spaghetti squash.
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
A healthy twist on traditional Swedish meatballs, these tender and flavorful meatballs are simmered in a creamy sauce for a hearty dish. Serve with mashed potatoes or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- 1 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
- ¼ cup Fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 1 Big egg
- ¼ cup Seasoned breadcrumbs (gluten free or homemade)
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt (Kosher)
- ⅛ Teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cup Beef soup (reduced salt)
- 3 Ounce Cream cheese (Low Fat)
- 1/2 cup Plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- fresh chopped parsley (For decoration)
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Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
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Add the finely chopped parsley and sauté for another minute. Remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
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In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled onion-garlic mixture, eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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Form 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, adding more olive oil if necessary. Cook until cooked through.
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Remove meatballs from pan and set aside.
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Pour beef broth or beef stock into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
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Add cream cheese to boiling soup, 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 and brush with the Creamy Swedish Meatball Sauce.
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Cook the homemade meatballs over low heat until cooked through.
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Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve warm garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Nutritional Information
Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Amount per serving (1 serving)
calorie 237
Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
fat 13 g20%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fatty Acids 0.5g
Polyunsaturated fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 6g
cholesterol 85mg28%
sodium 678mg29%
potassium 409mg12%
carbohydrates 7 grams2%
Fiber 1g4%
2g sugar2%
protein 21 grams42%
Vitamin A 339IU7%
Vitamin C 5 mg6%
calcium 75mg8%
iron 2 mg11%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
- It’s delicious when eaten over mashed potatoes.
- For bread crumbs, dried and blended sourdough works well.
Need more appetizer ideas? My family loves these Bacon Chicken Bites and they’re also great for a quick lunch.
What’s your favorite way to serve Swedish meatballs? Leave a comment and let me know!
