Description
Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup milk
1 egg
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Gravy:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Mashed Potatoes:
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, onion, garlic powder, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined.
Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch).
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Gravy:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Slowly pour in beef broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Add heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5-6 minutes until thickened. Return meatballs to the skillet and coat with gravy.
3. Mashed Potatoes:
Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and mash.
Mix in milk, butter, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.
4. Serve:
Plate mashed potatoes, top with Swedish meatballs, and drizzle with gravy. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~500 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preparing the mashed potatoes. Peel and cube the potatoes, then place them in a pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender. While the potatoes cook, start the meatballs. Soak the breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes, then combine with the ground meat, egg, finely chopped onion, and spices. Mix gently with your hands to avoid tough meatballs. Roll into 1-inch balls. Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through. Remove them and set aside. Drain the potatoes, mash, and incorporate the butter and milk. Keep warm.
Serving Suggestions
For a classic presentation, spoon creamy mashed potatoes onto a plate, creating a well in the center. Nestle the meatballs in the well and generously ladle the rich gravy over everything. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill. This dish pairs beautifully with lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce on the side, which adds a sweet-tart contrast. A simple side of steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad helps balance the richness of the meal.
How-to Summary
To make Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes: 1) Soak breadcrumbs in milk, then mix with meat, egg, onion, and spices. Form into balls and pan-fry. 2) Make a gravy in the same pan with butter, flour, beef broth, and cream. Simmer until thick, then return meatballs to coat. 3) Boil and mash potatoes with butter and milk. 4) Serve mashed potatoes topped with meatballs and gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying? Yes. Arrange browned or raw meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. This is great for larger batches.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream in the gravy? Full-fat sour cream or plain yogurt (added at the very end off the heat) are excellent substitutes. For a lighter option, use whole milk, but simmer longer to thicken.
- How do I prevent my meatballs from falling apart? Ensure your mixture is well-combined but not overmixed. Chilling the formed meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the meatballs and gravy, and store separately from the mashed potatoes. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to the gravy if needed.
- Is allspice essential? While traditional, you can substitute with a pinch each of ground cloves and cinnamon. The key is the warm, sweet spice note.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meatball mixture, which results in dense, tough meatballs.
- Not letting the flour cook for a full minute when making the gravy, leading to a raw, pasty taste.
- Adding cold milk or cream directly to hot mashed potatoes, which can make them gluey. Warm your dairy first.
- Crowding the skillet when frying meatballs, which steams them instead of creating a flavorful brown crust.
- Seasoning the gravy at the end without tasting first, as the broth and Worcestershire sauce already contain salt.
Conclusion
This Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of savory, spiced meatballs with a luxuriously creamy gravy and smooth mashed potatoes is truly unbeatable. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with your culinary skills.