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Quick & Creamy Swedish Meatballs: Elevating Frozen Meatballs with Homemade Gravy

Close-up of several browned swedish meatballs with frozen meatballs smothered in a creamy, peppered gravy.
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Prepare comforting Swedish meatballs quickly using pre-made frozen meatballs by pairing them with a rich, homemade cream sauce. This recipe focuses on speed for a weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs frozen pre-cooked meatballs (beef or a beef/pork mix)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups beef broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
  • For serving: Mashed potatoes or egg noodles, lingonberry jam (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the frozen meatballs according to package directions, usually baking at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can cook them in a slow cooker or Instant Pot if preferred.
  2. While the meatballs cook, prepare the gravy. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
  3. Whisk the flour into the melted butter and cook for one minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  4. Slowly whisk in the beef broth until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This usually takes 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, allspice, and nutmeg. Mix well.
  6. Add the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce to the gravy. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  7. Once the meatballs are fully heated, add them directly to the skillet with the gravy. Stir gently to coat all the meatballs.
  8. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to allow the meatballs to absorb the sauce flavor.
  9. Serve immediately over mashed potatoes or egg noodles, with a side of lingonberry jam if desired.

Notes

  • To boost the flavor of the frozen meatballs, consider searing them briefly in a hot pan with a little oil before adding them to the sauce.
  • For a richer gravy, substitute half of the beef broth with beef stock.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering gravy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://seventhflavour.com/swedish-meatballs-with-frozen-meatballs/