Braised Swedish Meatballs with Fresh Dill and Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender meatballs simmered in a rich dill-infused cream sauce, served with roasted root vegetables and mashed potatoes. This Scandinavian-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs ground beef, ground pork, egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Scandinavian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 pound ground beef, 1/2 pound ground pork, 1 large egg, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup finely minced onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently with hands until just combined, then form into 1.5-inch meatballs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour in a large skillet over medium heat until butter melts and flour turns golden, about 2 minutes. Add meatballs and sear until browned on all sides, 4-5 minutes total.
  3. Step 3: Pour 1 cup chicken broth over meatballs, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer 25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons fresh dill, then simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Swedish Meatballs with Fresh Dill and Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Swedish Meatballs with Fresh Dill and Cream Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Swedish Meatballs with Fresh Dill and Cream Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Swedish Meatballs with Fresh Dill and Cream Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Swedish Meatballs with Fresh Dill and Cream Sauce?

Scandinavian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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