Easy Swedish Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Swedish Meatballs recipe takes little time to prepare and is loaded with flavor. The creamy mushroom soup and reduced-sodium beef broth create a luscious gravy that coats the tender meatballs, making for a satisfying meal. It’s also highly customizable, quick, and perfect for a hearty dinner when you’re in a rush. Plus, it’s made with easily accessible ingredients, so you can whip it up anytime without much hassle!

Ingredients

• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen Italian style or homestyle meatballs (about 60 meatballs)
• 1 can (14.75 oz) 50% reduced sodium beef broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 packet (.87 oz) brown gravy mix
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 can (5 oz) evaporated milk

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a large skillet, heat the frozen meatballs over medium heat.
2. Once the meatballs start to warm, add the beef broth, cream of mushroom soup, and brown gravy mix to the skillet.
3. Stir everything together to combine, then add garlic powder and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Pour in the evaporated milk and stir until the gravy is smooth and creamy.
6. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes to heat everything through and thicken the sauce.
7. Serve the Swedish meatballs over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Meatball Options: You can swap the frozen meatballs for homemade meatballs if you prefer. Just make sure they’re pre-cooked before adding them to the sauce.
• Gravy Flavor: For a different flavor, try adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the gravy.
• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs as a substitute for a vegetarian version of this dish.
• Herb Additions: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the gravy for a more complex flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

How do I make homemade Swedish meatballs for this recipe?

To make homemade meatballs, combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and spices. Roll the mixture into meatballs, cook them in a skillet or bake them in the oven, then follow the recipe to create the gravy.

Can I use frozen meatballs from any brand?

Yes, you can use frozen meatballs from any brand. The recipe works well with both Italian-style and homestyle meatballs.

Can I use full-fat evaporated milk instead of the reduced-fat version?

Yes, you can use full-fat evaporated milk if you prefer a richer, creamier gravy.

Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

If you don’t like mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or any other cream soup variety as a substitute.

What can I serve Swedish meatballs with?

Swedish meatballs are traditionally served with mashed potatoes, but they also pair well with egg noodles, rice, or even roasted vegetables.

Can I make this dish in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this dish in the slow cooker. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the meatballs are fully heated through.

How do I make the gravy thicker?

If you want the gravy thicker, let it simmer longer until it reduces to your desired consistency, or you can mix a bit of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and gravy mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the use of frozen meatballs and the brown gravy mix. However, you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free meatballs and a gluten-free gravy mix.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze Swedish meatballs with gravy for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Easy Swedish Meatballs are the perfect comfort food for busy days. With minimal ingredients and little prep time, you can enjoy a flavorful, creamy dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you serve it over mashed potatoes or noodles, this recipe will become a go-to in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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