Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs are made with ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, whole milk, and spices including nutmeg, onion powder, and garlic powder. This hearty Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs recipe creates a satisfying dinner that takes about 40 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs Ingredients
- 2 Large Eggs, Lightly Beaten
- 1/4 cup Milk
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 pound Ground Pork
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons Unrefined Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
For the Gravy:
- 5 tablespoons Salted Butter
- 5 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Unrefined Sea Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 4 cups Whole Milk
- Parsley, For Garnish (optional)
- Mashed Potatoes, For Serving
- Lingonberry Sauce, For Serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). This ensures it’s ready when you need it for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs, milk, ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground nutmeg. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other. Depending on the size of your meatballs, you may need more than one baking sheet. This recipe should yield around 46 meatballs.
- Bake the Meatballs: Once the oven is preheated, bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are fully cooked through. They should be nicely browned on the outside.
- Prepare the Gravy: While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the gravy. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and black pepper, stirring until well combined.
- Cook the Gravy: Cook the butter-flour mixture for about two minutes, stirring frequently. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens and comes to a boil. Let it boil for one minute, then remove it from the heat.
- Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the gravy in the pot, stirring gently to coat them evenly.
- Serve: If desired, garnish the meatballs with parsley for a pop of color. Serve the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, with lingonberry sauce on the side for a traditional Swedish touch.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices enhance the flavor of meatballs, so grind your own nutmeg and black pepper before adding them to the mix.
- Avoid overmixing: Gently combine your meatball ingredients just until they’re mixed. Overworking the meat can make your meatballs tough rather than tender.
- Keep sizes consistent: Use a small ice cream scoop or a spoon to form your meatballs to ensure they cook evenly. Consistent size means no guesswork with cooking times!
- Prep ahead: You can make these meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as directed for easy meal planning.
- Double the batch: If you’re cooking for a crowd or want leftovers, simply double the ingredients. These meatballs reheat well and are great for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
What To Serve With Swedish Meatballs
Serve your Swedish Meatballs with roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized carrot ribbons, saffron-infused couscous, pickled red cabbage, and crispy shallot rings for a delightful meal.
You can also pair these meatballs with golden beetroot salad, and creamy polenta squares subtly flavored with truffle oil for an innovative twist.
How To Store Leftovers Swedish Meatballs
Refrigerate: Place the Swedish Meatballs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to four days. Ensure the meatballs are cooled to room temperature before sealing them to avoid condensation.
Freeze: To freeze, place the cooled meatballs on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once hard, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored frozen for up to three months. This method prevents them from sticking together and allows for easy portion control.
How To Reheat Leftovers Swedish Meatballs
In The Oven: Arrange the meatballs in a baking dish with some of the gravy and cover with foil. Reheat at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through; this ensures they stay moist.
In The Microwave: Place a portion of meatballs with a splash of gravy in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warmth.
In The Air Fryer: For a quick reheat, place meatballs in the air fryer basket. Heat at 320°F for 4-5 minutes or until piping hot throughout. This method keeps the outside slightly crisp.
Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
- Calories 67
- Total Fat 4.4g
- Saturated Fat 2.1g
- Cholesterol 23mg
- Sodium 178mg
- Total Carbohydrate 2.6g
- Dietary Fiber 0.1g
- Sugars 0.3g
- Protein 4.2g
- Vitamin A 1%
- Vitamin C 0%
- Calcium 2%
- Iron 2%
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Only Beef Instead of Mixing Meats?
Yes, you can use only beef if you prefer. Using only ground beef may result in a denser texture compared to a mix of beef and pork. Pork typically adds more fat, which helps keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
What Are the Best Breadcrumbs to Use for Swedish Meatballs?
Panko breadcrumbs are the best choice for Swedish Meatballs because they absorb less grease and maintain a lighter texture. Traditional breadcrumbs can be used as well, but they might result in slightly heavier meatballs.
How Do I Know When the Meatballs Are Properly Cooked?
The meatballs should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’ve reached this temperature, which guarantees that they are safe to eat and nicely done.
Can I Prepare Swedish Meatballs in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare Swedish Meatballs in advance. Form the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. You can also freeze the formed uncooked meatballs and bake them at a later date.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipe:
- Pioneer Woman Marinated Mozzarella Balls
- Pioneer Woman Popcorn Balls
- Pioneer Woman Olive Cheese Balls
Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs
Description
Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs are made with ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, whole milk, and spices including nutmeg, onion powder, and garlic powder. This hearty Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs recipe creates a satisfying dinner that takes about 40 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.
Ingredients
For the Gravy:
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (205°C). This ensures it’s ready when you need it for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs, milk, ground beef, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground nutmeg. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other. Depending on the size of your meatballs, you may need more than one baking sheet. This recipe should yield around 46 meatballs.
- Bake the Meatballs: Once the oven is preheated, bake the meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes or until they are fully cooked through. They should be nicely browned on the outside.
- Prepare the Gravy: While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the gravy. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Add the all-purpose flour, sea salt, and black pepper, stirring until well combined.
- Cook the Gravy: Cook the butter-flour mixture for about two minutes, stirring frequently. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and stir until the gravy thickens and comes to a boil. Let it boil for one minute, then remove it from the heat.
- Combine Meatballs and Gravy: Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the gravy in the pot, stirring gently to coat them evenly.
- Serve: If desired, garnish the meatballs with parsley for a pop of color. Serve the meatballs and gravy over mashed potatoes, with lingonberry sauce on the side for a traditional Swedish touch.