Name: Easy Swedish Meatballs in 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 undeniably comforting about tender meatballs smothered in a rich, creamy sauce — that’s exactly why I adore this Easy Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Sauce Recipe. It’s quick to whip up, and the velvety sauce makes every bite feel like a warm hug from the inside. Trust me, this one’s a kitchen keeper.

A white oval pot filled with about 30 browned meatballs evenly spaced and partly covered in a thick light brown creamy sauce. The meatballs have a slightly rough texture with some green flecks, and the sauce has a smooth, glossy surface that pools around the meatballs, leaving some edges visible near the pot sides. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, and the image is taken from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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 in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making homemade Swedish meatballs can feel intimidating, but this recipe strips it back to essentials without sacrificing flavor. Over the years, it has become my go-to when I need something classic, comforting, and surprisingly effortless.

Super Simple: Uses frozen meatballs and pantry staples, so prep time is minimal but results are fantastic.
Velvety Sauce: The creamy, lightly browned sauce is what takes this dish from everyday to special, with a gentle Worcestershire twist.
Versatile Serving: Whether you pile it on egg noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides.
Family Friendly: It’s a meal that even picky eaters love, and it comes together in just about 15 minutes.

A close-up image shows many round meatballs covered in a thick light brown sauce with visible flecks of black pepper. A light wooden spoon holds one meatball above the others, lifting it slightly from the creamy sauce. The meatballs are dark brown with uneven texture beneath the smooth sauce. The dish is in a white bowl, set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe hinges on simple ingredients that blend into a luscious, comforting dish. You don’t need fancy spices — just a few staples that come together to create that iconic Swedish meatball flavor.

Flat lay of a small pile of fresh egg noodles, a cube of golden butter, a small mound of pale flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich brown beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl with thick creamy heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of coarse salt crystals, a teaspoon of whole black peppercorns, and a cluster of raw frozen meatballs, all arranged in 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: Picking good-quality frozen meatballs saves time without sacrificing on taste or texture. They reheat beautifully in the sauce.
Butter: Essential for starting the creamy sauce, it adds richness and helps brown the flour for that nutty flavor.
Flour: This thickens the sauce — make sure to cook it until it’s slightly golden to avoid a raw taste.
Beef Broth: Adds depth and a savory backbone to balance the cream.
Heavy Cream: This creates the silky smooth texture that makes the sauce so indulgent and comforting.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon adds that subtle umami boost that rounds out the flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasoning to bring all the flavors together—adjust to your taste!
Egg Noodles (Optional): Classic pairing, but feel free to swap with mashed potatoes or rice for more variety.

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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

I’ve had fun experimenting with this Easy Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Sauce Recipe — it’s forgiving enough to let you make it your own. Add a little something special or keep it classic, it’s up to you.

A Touch of Spice: I sometimes toss in a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice—those warm spices give it a gently aromatic Swedish vibe.
Swap the Meatballs: You can totally use turkey or chicken meatballs for a lighter twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Herbs: Fresh dill or chopped chives sprinkled on top add brightness I personally love when serving this for guests.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free butter for a lovely alternative.

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

Step 1: Start with Your Base: Cook the Noodles or Side

I usually boil egg noodles first until they're tender but still have a bit of bite—that makes the perfect sturdy base for the sauce. Don't forget to drain them well and keep them warm. If you prefer mashed potatoes or rice, heat those up instead so everything’s ready at the same time.

Step 2: Make the Creamy, Browned Sauce

In a large skillet over medium-high, melt the butter and pour in the flour. It will clump at first—keep whisking so it cooks evenly, and watch until it starts to turn a pretty light brown. This browning adds that toasty nuttiness that makes the sauce so irresistible. Then, whisk in your beef broth and cream slowly to avoid lumps. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper, and reduce the heat so the sauce can gently simmer and thicken.

Step 3: Heat the Meatballs and Simmer Together

While the sauce simmers, pop your frozen meatballs into the microwave for about five minutes—no need to cook them all the way through since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Transfer them into your sauce and let everything simmer for another five minutes so those flavors meld perfectly and meatballs are heated through.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serve

Before serving, I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Then, plate the meatballs over your choice of noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, spoon over plenty of that creamy sauce, and dig in!

Top Tip

I've found that the secret to the richest, silkiest sauce lies in how you handle the roux (that butter-flour mixture). Cook it just long enough to get a light golden color — this takes away the raw flour taste and adds a warm, nutty dimension to your Swedish meatballs in creamy sauce.

Golden Roux: Don’t rush this step — whisk continuously and wait for that perfect golden hue before adding liquids.
Pour Liquids Slowly: Gradually add broth and cream while whisking to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce.
Simmer Gently: Keep sauce on low heat once combined with meatballs to avoid curdling or splitting.
Use Quality Broth: A good beef broth makes a noticeable difference, so don’t skimp here!

How to Serve Easy Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill on top—it adds a fresh burst of color and brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper right before serving for a touch of spice.

Side Dishes

Egg noodles are the classic go-to and they soak up the sauce beautifully. But when I want something different, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice work wonderfully too. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve these meatballs family-style in a large, rustic skillet with bowls of noodles and sides around the table. It’s inviting and makes serving easy. Or for an elegant touch, arrange individual portions with a dollop of lingonberry jam on the side—the sweet-tartness pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so when reheating, add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it back up, stirring gently to bring back that smooth, creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish in portion-sized containers with great results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove with a bit of extra broth to refresh the sauce. It’s a perfect make-ahead option for busy weeknights.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the sauce silky and prevent curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?

Absolutely! While frozen meatballs save time, homemade meatballs work beautifully too. Just brown them in a skillet before simmering in the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it won't be quite as rich. For dairy-free options, coconut cream or cashew cream are good alternatives, just keep in mind the flavor will change slightly.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes! The meatballs with the creamy sauce freeze well. Make sure to cool completely before storing in airtight containers, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.

What side dishes go best with this Easy Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Sauce Recipe?

Traditional egg noodles are a classic choice, but mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully. Choose what best fits your mood or what you have on hand!

Final Thoughts

This Easy Swedish Meatballs in Creamy Sauce Recipe holds a special spot on my weeknight table because it’s quick, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. It brings a bit of Scandinavian charm without hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for when you want a cozy meal that feels homemade. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as I do—it’s like a little warm hug in every bite!