Name: Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 30 frozen meatballs; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup flour; 2 cups beef broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste); 1 12 oz package egg noodles; Parsley for garnish

There’s something so comforting about a dish like Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe—rich, savory meatballs swimming in a silky, flavorful sauce that wraps around every bite. It’s a simple recipe, but it hits all the right cozy notes that make dinner feel special without tons of fuss.

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve always adored Swedish meatballs—they remind me of lazy Sunday lunches at my grandma’s house. This Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe brings that nostalgic charm with a quick, no-fuss approach that fits perfectly into busy weeknights.

Speedy and Simple: You can have this hearty, comforting meal ready in about 15 minutes—perfect when time’s tight.
Rich Creamy Sauce: The sauce is velvety and packed with flavor thanks to the beef broth, cream, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce.
Flexible Serving Options: Whether you like it over egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it adapts easily to your favorite carbs.
Foolproof for Beginners: Even if you’re new to cooking, these straightforward steps make it easy to nail every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together to create those signature flavors and the perfect creamy texture. I always make sure my beef broth is flavorful—it really makes the sauce sing!

Flat lay of a small pile of uncooked egg noodles with flat ribbon-like shape, a few chunks of pale yellow butter, a small mound of fine white flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich brown beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl containing thick creamy off-white heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl holding dark amber Worcestershire sauce, a small heap of coarse white salt crystals, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, and several plump raw beef meatballs with natural texture, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Frozen meatballs: Using frozen meatballs saves so much time and they work perfectly here since they simmer in the sauce and soak up the flavor.
Butter: The base of our roux—adds richness and helps thicken the sauce.
Flour: Combined with butter to make a roux, it thickens the creamy sauce beautifully.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess with a meaty flavor.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce silky and luscious—don’t skip this!
Worcestershire sauce: Just a splash gives the sauce an umami boost that elevates every bite.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out all the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Egg noodles (optional): The classic accompaniment that catches every drop of the sauce—feel free to swap with rice or mashed potatoes.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I love this recipe as is, it’s wonderful to tweak it depending on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Don’t be shy about making it your own!

Variation: I’ve swapped the beef broth for mushroom broth once when I was out of beef broth, and it added a lovely earthiness to the sauce you might want to try.
Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce that’s still creamy.
Meat alternative: Try turkey or chicken meatballs if you want a leaner version—same great sauce works perfectly here.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to the sauce for an unexpected flavor twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds three separate layers of ground meat, each with distinct colors and textures. One quadrant has dark red meat with fine strands, another quadrant shows light pink meat with soft ridges, and the last quadrant contains a beige mixture with a grainy and spiced look. The three sections are arranged side by side inside the bowl, each clearly separate from the others. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare Your Base (Noodles or Sides)

I usually start by boiling the egg noodles since they take the longest. Follow the package directions, drain them well, and set them aside. If you prefer mashed potatoes or rice, heat those up now so everything is ready to plate at the same time. Having your sides prepped early really keeps the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour—don’t worry if it looks clumpy at first, that’s exactly what you want! Keep stirring the mixture until it starts turning a nice light brown color; this browning adds a toasty depth to the sauce. Patience here pays off.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the beef broth and heavy cream while whisking continuously to keep the sauce smooth. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. This part is where the magic happens—the sauce thickens and becomes silky. Keep a close eye and stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking or burning on the bottom.

Step 4: Warm the Meatballs and Combine

Pop the frozen meatballs in the microwave just long enough to warm them through—about 5 minutes works well. They don’t need to be piping hot since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Add them to the skillet and let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the meatballs soak up that creamy goodness.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Give the meatballs and sauce a gentle stir, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness, then plate it all up over your noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. I love how each bite balances creamy and savory! Gather around the table and enjoy the comfort.

Top Tip

When I first made this recipe, I learned some key tricks that really help the sauce turn out perfect every time. A smooth, rich sauce makes all the difference and here’s how you get there without stress.

Whisk continuously when adding liquids: This avoids lumps and keeps the sauce silky smooth.
Don’t rush the roux browning: That nutty flavor develops when the flour and butter cook just right, so give it the time it needs.
Simmer gently: Keep the sauce on medium-low heat after adding the meatballs to prevent curdling and let flavors meld.
Use good quality broth: Since broth is a star player here, a flavorful beef broth makes the sauce shine much brighter.

How to Serve Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley on top—it adds freshness, bright color, and just a subtle herb note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a few lingonberries on the side if I want to get really traditional and sweet-tart contrast.

Side Dishes

Egg noodles are classic and my go-to because they soak up every bit of sauce. But mashed potatoes or simple steamed rice work beautifully too. For a bit of crunch, steamed green beans or a light cucumber salad balance the creamy meatballs nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these meatballs in mini cast iron skillets at the table—everyone loves the rustic, cozy vibe. You can also turn it into party bites by skewering meatballs and drizzling warm sauce over them for a fun appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I make sure to cool the meatballs and sauce completely before refrigerating so they don’t get soggy or lose that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before with success—just portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you thaw and reheat, the sauce maintains its creaminess surprisingly well if you warm it gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or cream if it feels thickened too much. Microwaving works too, just heat in short bursts to avoid curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe with homemade meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a fresh touch and you can control the seasoning exactly. Just brown them in the skillet first and then follow the recipe steps for the sauce. You might need to cook the meatballs a bit longer before adding the sauce to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

What can I serve instead of egg noodles?

This Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe is super versatile—you can serve it over mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or even roasted vegetables for a lower-carb option. Each side gives the dish a slightly different but equally delicious profile.

Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a coconut milk or cashew cream alternative, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the roux. The flavor and creaminess will be a bit different but it’s still a comforting, delicious sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting lumpy?

Whisking continuously while adding the liquids is key. Gradually sprinkle in the flour during the roux phase and make sure to cook out the raw flour taste. When adding broth and cream, pour slowly and keep whisking to combine everything smoothly. If lumps still form, strain the sauce or whisk vigorously before adding meatballs.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those dishes you can lean on over and over again for a fuss-free yet indulgent meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—there’s something so satisfying about serving a dish that tastes way more complicated than it really is. Give it a try on your next cozy night in; I think you’ll love how easy it is to create that creamy, comforting magic.