Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Onion Gravy and Charred Peas

There’s nothing quite like a plate of tender meatballs draped in a luscious, creamy onion gravy. This Swedish-inspired dish brings together warm spices, savory beef and a velvety sauce that coats every bite. Paired with fluffy sour cream mashed potatoes and lightly charred peas, it’s the ultimate comfort meal for any night of the week.

Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers big on flavor. The meatballs are roasted until golden, then tossed in a rich gravy made with cream cheese and sour cream. Serve it all over creamy mashed potatoes for a dinner that feels both special and cozy.

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Ingredients

12 ounce PotatoesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon NutmegView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce PeasView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon FlourView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Beef Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 450°F. Dice potatoes into ½-inch pieces. Halve and peel onion; grate one half on the largest holes of a box grater. Thinly slice the remaining onion.
2. Place potatoes in a medium pot with enough salted water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. Reserve ½ cup potato cooking liquid, then drain. Return potatoes to pot and mash with half the sour cream and 2 tablespoons butter until smooth, adding splashes of reserved liquid as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Keep covered off heat.
3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, panko, garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, salt and pepper. Form into 10-12 meatballs (1½ inches each). Place on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Roast on top rack until browned and cooked through, 14-16 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add peas and cook undisturbed until lightly browned, 2-3 minutes. Stir and cook until lightly charred, 1-2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate; wipe out pan.
5. Heat a drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium heat. Add sliced onion and a pinch of salt; cook until browned and softened, 3-6 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon butter and cook, whisking, until melted. Sprinkle flour over onion; cook, whisking constantly, until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes.
6. Slowly whisk 1 cup water into the pan. Add stock concentrates, cream cheese and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; whisk until cream cheese melts and gravy thickens, 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in remaining sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. If too thick, stir in a splash of reserved potato cooking liquid.
7. Add meatballs to the gravy; toss to coat. Divide mashed potatoes and meatballs with gravy between bowls. Top meatballs with charred peas and serve.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground pork or turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground pork or turkey can be substituted. Cooking times may vary slightly; ensure the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature.

Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, the gravy can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to restore consistency.

What can I serve instead of mashed potatoes?

Egg noodles or rice are great alternatives. You can also serve the meatballs and gravy over roasted vegetables for a lower-carb option.