Easy Swedish Meatballs
These quick and easy Swedish meatballs are so savory and delicious!
When you think of comfort food, what kinds of food do you think of? My kids definitely think of my stovetop mac and cheese. It's what they ask for when they're sick or hurt or sad, and it's their favorite thing that I make (which is why I seem to end up making it at least once a week). My husband's favorite comfort food is turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy. He grew up eating traditional meat-and-potatoes type food, and it reminds him of home and family. For me, though, it's kind of an eclectic mix of things - chicken enchiladas, cheeseburger macaroni, and Swedish meatballs. They're three of the foods I remember eating most frequently in my childhood, and any of them make me feel happy when I'm having a hard day.
I've asked my mom a few times for her recipe for Swedish meatballs, and even though she's given it her best shot writing it down for me, it never seems to translate very well when I cook them at my house. I think it's probably because she's more of an intuitive cook, and just throws in a little of this and a little of that until everything comes together. They always taste great when she makes them, but I can't replicate her recipe myself. Because I still love Swedish meatballs, and my mom lives 700+ miles away from me, I've been developing my own recipe for them over the last few years, and I think I've finally cracked the code!
My Swedish meatballs are a little different than my mom's, but they're equally delicious! They have a silky smooth and savory sauce, with just the right amount of cream. A bit of worcestershire sauce adds some delicious umami flavor, and combines really nicely with the beef broth. I like to use homemade meatballs in these (which I try to always have on hand in my freezer), but if you're in a pinch, store-bought meatballs will work as well. My husband likes these meatballs over mashed potatoes (again, with the meat-and-potatoes type food!), but I love them over cooked egg noodles, just like my mom always serves them. These Swedish meatballs are one of my favorite meals!
Easy Swedish Meatballs
1 pound frozen meatballs (make your own with this recipe)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 3/4 cups beef broth
2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/3 cup heavy cream
for serving: cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is bubbling, whisk in the flour until no dry spots remain. Cook 3-4 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Slowly whisk in the broth, a little at a time, mixing well to prevent lumps. Add the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the meatballs are warmed through and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and heavy cream. Return the pan to the heat and cook until the sauce is slightly thickened and creamy. Serve hot over egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
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