How to Make Swedish Meatballs with Frozen Meatballs
These Swedish Meatballs will transport you to the cobblestone streets of Stockholm. Made in just 15 minutes, thanks to the help of frozen meatballs, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
- Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 15 minutes!
- Authentic Taste, Shortcut Style: Using frozen meatballs cuts down on prep time and ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options. Divine over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes.
Unlock Your Inner Swedish Chef with This Meatball Hack
If you were to come take a peek into my freezer, one of the first things you’d probably notice is a huge bag of frozen meatballs. We buy them in bulk and eat them at least once a week. They’re just so convenient!
While it’s easy to just rely on them for spaghetti dinners or meatball subs, frozen meatballs are actually really versatile.
That’s why I decided to do a whole collection of frozen meatball recipes to show different and creative ways that you can use them, starting with these super simple Swedish meatballs!
They’re quick and easy to make, packed with flavor, and so comforting on chilly winter nights. Served over a bed of egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes, and paired with tangy cranberry sauce to cut through the rich cream sauce, these meatballs are sure to become a cozy part of your dinner rotation.
Ingredients you’ll need to make shortcut Swedish meatballs
Frozen meatballs. We buy the Wellsly Farms Italian Style Frozen Meatballs from BJs. They’re made from a combination of beef and pork, just like I would use if I was making meatballs from scratch, and they’re flame-broiled for an extra flavor dimension. If you’re shopping in a more traditional grocery store, I also like the Cooked Perfect brand.
Light cream. This is key to making the delicious gravy that Swedish meatballs are known for. If you don’t have light cream, sour cream will also work in a pinch.
Unsalted Butter and Flour. To create a roux that thickens the gravy so it clings to the meatballs just right.
Nutmeg and Allspice. For that classic warm flavor.
Beef broth.
Salt.
You’ll also want egg noodles or mashed potatoes and whole berry cranberry sauce for serving.
How To Make them
Start by making a roux. Melt the butter, then slowly whisk in the flour, nutmeg, and allspice. Keep stirring until you can’t see any more white flour. The roux should be a light golden color.
Whisk in the broth. Add the broth little by little, stirring constantly to avoid clumps.
Cook the meatballs. Pour the frozen meatballs right into the gravy and cook until warmed though. Putting a lid on the pan will help them heat up faster.
Finish with cream. Stir in the cream and simmer until the gravy is thickened and warmed through. Season to taste with salt.
Pro Tips
Season generously. If I was making these meatballs from scratch, I’d incorporate the spices into the meat itself. Since you don’t get the opportunity to do that when starting with frozen meatballs, I go a little more heavy handed with the spices in the sauce. This will help you achieve a classic flavor.
Don’t be afraid of adding salt. If the gravy taste flat or bland, stir in more salt to perk it up and make the flavors pop. You don’t want the dish to taste salty, but adding salt will help enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
Serve with cranberry sauce or something else that’s sweet and bitter to cut through the rich sauce and cleanse your palate between bites.
Frequently asked questions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it back out.
Lingonberry jam is the traditional choice, but it can be harder to find and cranberry is a close replacement. If you don’t like cranberry sauce or are having trouble finding it, you can use raspberry jam.
They’re very similar, but I think my sauce is even better.
Other recipes you might like:
- Air fryer Nashville hot chicken sandwiches
- Easy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- 10-Minute Cacio e Pepe
- Coconut Curry Meatballs
- 4-Ingredient Spicy Cranberry Meatballs
15-Minute Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 pound frozen meatballs about 20
- ½ cup light cream
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour, nutmeg, salt, and allspice. Stir well until the flour is completely incorporated and no white remains.3 Tablespoons flour, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- Slowly whisk in the both to create a smooth gravy. Add the meatballs and simmer for 7-10 minutes, or until warmed through.2 cups beef broth, 1 pound frozen meatballs
- Stir in the cream. Cook another 2-3 minutes, or until warm. Add additional salt to taste.½ cup light cream
