This Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs Recipe is perfect for you. It is savory and very rich. The sauce is creamy and smooth.
You will love how easy it is. Many people want a classic family dinner. This recipe delivers that great taste.
Knowing how to make Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs is helpful. It saves time on busy weeknights.
Your family will ask for seconds every time. The ingredients for Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs Recipe are simple.
You can find them at any local store. Let’s learn to make this tasty dish together. It is truly the ultimate comfort food.
When I first introduced to Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs
I first saw this dish on a cozy Sunday. I was watching Ina Garten on TV. She made cooking look so very easy.
The meatballs looked golden and perfectly round. The creamy gravy looked like a warm hug. I tried it in my own kitchen.
The smell filled up the whole house. It smelled like nutmeg and fresh parsley. My friends came over for a quick dinner.
They loved the soft texture of the meat. Now, I make it for every holiday. It is a staple in my home. You will feel like a pro chef too.

Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer
- Large skillet or pan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or a spatula
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sauté the Onions
Melt one tablespoon of butter in a pan. Add the finely chopped onions. Cook them until they are very soft. Let them cool down before the next step.
2. Mix the Meat
Put beef and pork in a bowl. Add the cooled onions and egg yolks. Pour in the heavy cream. Add the breadcrumbs and all the spices.
3. Blend the Ingredients
Use your mixer on a low speed. Mix until everything is just combined. Do not overmix the meat. This keeps the meatballs very light.
4. Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mix into small round balls. Use about one tablespoon per ball. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
5. Brown the Meatballs
Heat butter in a large skillet. Add the meatballs in small batches. Brown them well on all sides. Take them out and set aside.
6. Make the Roux
Keep the meat drippings in the pan. Add more butter if needed. Whisk in the flour slowly. Cook for two minutes until slightly brown.
7. Add the Beef Stock
Slowly pour in the beef stock. Whisk constantly to avoid any lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken up.
8. Finish the Sauce
Turn the heat to very low. Stir in the cold sour cream. Whisk until the sauce is very creamy.
9. Combine and Simmer
Put the meatballs back into the pan. Let them simmer in the sauce. Cook for about five more minutes.
10. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve over hot egg noodles or mash. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs
- Use cold ingredients: Keep the meat cold before mixing. This helps the fat stay inside.
- Do not overmix: Overmixing makes the meatballs very tough. Use a light touch always.
- Wet your hands: Damp hands prevent the meat from sticking. It makes rolling much faster.
- Brown them well: A dark crust adds deep flavor. Do not rush the browning step.
- Fresh spices: Use fresh nutmeg if you can. It makes a huge taste difference.
- Low heat for cream: Never boil the sauce after adding cream. It might break or curdle.
- Rest the meat: Let the mix sit for ten minutes. The breadcrumbs will soak up moisture.
FAQs about Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs
Can I use only beef for this?
Yes, you can use only beef. The flavor will be slightly different.
What side dish goes best with this?
Egg noodles are the traditional choice. Mashed potatoes also work very well.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, freeze them after browning them. Add the sauce after you thaw them.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce for a longer time. Or add a little more flour.
Is sour cream necessary for the recipe?
It adds a classic tangy flavor. You can use Greek yogurt instead.
Final Thoughts
Making this Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs Recipe is fun. It brings a touch of class to dinner.
The flavors are balanced and very rich. You now know how to make Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs.
It is a dish that everyone will love. Follow the steps for the best results. Don’t forget the fresh parsley at the end.
It adds a nice pop of color. Your kitchen will smell like a five-star restaurant. Thank you for cooking with me today.
Happy eating to you and your family!

Ina Garten Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80% lean
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef stock
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the Onions
- Melt one tablespoon of butter in a pan. Add the finely chopped onions. Cook them until they are very soft. Let them cool down before the next step.
Mix the Meat
- Put beef and pork in a bowl. Add the cooled onions and egg yolks. Pour in the heavy cream. Add the breadcrumbs and all the spices.
Blend the Ingredients
- Use your mixer on a low speed. Mix until everything is just combined. Do not overmix the meat. This keeps the meatballs very light.
Shape the Meatballs
- Roll the mix into small round balls. Use about one tablespoon per ball. Place them on a lined baking sheet.
Brown the Meatballs
- Heat butter in a large skillet. Add the meatballs in small batches. Brown them well on all sides. Take them out and set aside.
Make the Roux
- Keep the meat drippings in the pan. Add more butter if needed. Whisk in the flour slowly. Cook for two minutes until slightly brown.
Add the Beef Stock
- Slowly pour in the beef stock. Whisk constantly to avoid any lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken up.
Finish the Sauce
- Turn the heat to very low. Stir in the cold sour cream. Whisk until the sauce is very creamy.
Combine and Simmer
- Put the meatballs back into the pan. Let them simmer in the sauce. Cook for about five more minutes.
- Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve over hot egg noodles or mash. Enjoy your delicious homemade mea
Notes
- Use cold ingredients: Keep the meat cold before mixing. This helps the fat stay inside.
- Do not overmix: Overmixing makes the meatballs very tough. Use a light touch always.
- Wet your hands: Damp hands prevent the meat from sticking. It makes rolling much faster.
- Brown them well: A dark crust adds deep flavor. Do not rush the browning step.
- Fresh spices: Use fresh nutmeg if you can. It makes a huge taste difference.
- Low heat for cream: Never boil the sauce after adding cream. It might break or curdle.
- Rest the meat: Let the mix sit for ten minutes. The breadcrumbs will soak up moisture.













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