You’ve probably all had meatballs. Whether you want to master this recipe or are new to it, this article explains How To Make Juicy Swedish And BBQ Meatballs in very easy steps, and also answers questions about how to fix mistakes.
Table of Contents
How to Make Juicy Swedish and Barbecue Meatballs at Home: A New Take on a Comfort Food
The recipe that brings families together around the table for a meal is meatballs, a hearty, hearty dish that has found its way into kitchens around the world, with variations on the classic recipe being popular in every region.
In the United States, Swedish meatballs remain a favorite. This comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish is also perfect for parties, as the sweet, earthy flavor makes the dish truly special.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for making both types of meatballs at home. If you’re looking to make these on busy days or planning a game, this appetizer never fails to leave you feeling amazing on game day, so be sure to serve this recipe to your guests and family.
Why are meatballs so popular in America?
Super easy to prepare – This meatball recipe freezes easily, allowing you to make larger quantities.
Adaptable – You can customize these meatballs to your liking, from sauces to seasonings.
Versatile – You can serve them with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or as an appetizer.
For kids – The smaller pieces of these meatballs are more appealing to children for their mild flavor.
Now both recipes make the Swedish and barbecue meatballs from scratch.
All Ingredients –
Swedish Meatball Ingredients:
- 1 pound beef mince
- 1 egg
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking
- 1/2 pound pork
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (minced)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Pepper and salt to taste
Creamy Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons beef broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
Barbecue Meatball Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 1/2 pounds beef mince, or a mixture of beef and pork
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- Pepper and salt to taste
Barbecue Sauce Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 cup barbecue sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
How to make juicy Swedish and barbecue meatballs at home, complete instructions:
1. Preparing the Meatball Mixture
- Use a large mixing bowl and add the ingredients as needed: date, ground meat, eggs, milk, sweetener, and spices.
- Now mix gently with your hands. Mix only until the mixture is well combined; be careful not to overmix, as this will make the meatballs tough.
- Now shape them into balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and cut them into small pieces.
Important tip: If the meatball mix sticks to your hands, moisten them with a little water first to prevent sticking.
2. Cooking the Meatballs
- Use a large skillet. Heat it over medium heat and add butter or oil.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet a few at a time, or cook in batches if necessary, until browned on all sides.
- If you’re making Swedish meatballs, remove them once they’re browned and set them aside – they cook thoroughly in the sauce.
- To cook barbecue meatballs, you can cook them thoroughly in a pan or use your oven, preheated to 375°F (190°C), for 18 to 20 minutes.
3. Preparing Swedish Meatballs
- Reuse the same pan and melt the butter. Then add the flour and prepare a roux.
- Slowly add the beef broth, stirring constantly to combine.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce and heavy cream, then combine.
- Continue cooking on low heat until thickened, season with pepper and salt.
- Return the prepared roasted meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring constantly to combine.
4. Making the Barbecue Meatball Sauce
- Using a saucepan, add the ingredients in the indicated quantities:
- brown sugar, vinegar, barbecue sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix all the ingredients together.
- Heat gently until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and mix well.
- Your homemade succulent Swedish and barbecue meatballs are ready. Now you can serve them.
Serving Suggestions:
- Barbecue Meatballs – Serve with toothpicks as an appetizer, or use them with mac and cheese, cornbread, or coleslaw for a perfect main course.
- Swedish Meatballs – Serve them traditionally with creamy mashed potatoes or egg-coated noodles for a flavorful and protein-packed meal. If you have lingonberry jam, be sure to use it.
Preparing and Storing:
- Refrigeration – Baby meatballs can be stored in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing – Cooked meatballs without sauce or uncooked meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking again.
- Meal Prep – Always prepare your meatballs in bulk and freeze portions for weekday meals.
- Additional cooking tips for juicy Swedish and barbecue meatballs at home:
- Those who prefer juicier meatballs can add a teaspoon of sour cream to the prepared mixture.
- You can experiment with several sauces in this recipe; for variations, use marinara, teriyaki, or creamy mushroom sauce.
- When trying beef/pork, use a meat thermometer first; the internal temperature should remain or reach 165°F.
Nutrition per serving:
Swedish meatballs, 5 meatballs with sauce –
Calories 380
Fat 22 grams
Protein 16 grams
BBQ meatballs, 5 meatballs in sauce:
Calories 320
Fat 14 grams
Protein 18 grams
FAQ: How to Make Juicy Swedish and Barbecue Meatballs at Home
Q. How can I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Use the correct amount of egg and breadcrumbs (binder) and check that the mixture isn’t too wet. For best results, refrigerate the meatballs for 12 to 15 minutes before baking to ensure they hold together well.
Q, Can I make them with chicken/turkey?
Yes! You can use ground chicken; ground chicken or turkey is also great for making light meatballs, just be careful not to overcook them, as poultry dries out quickly.
Q. How to make the meatballs soft?
A panade is a mixture of breadcrumbs and milk. This helps keep the meatballs soft, and the meat shouldn’t be overcooked.
Q. Can the meatballs be baked?
Yes, you can! Place the meatballs on a parchment paper baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure both sides are cooked evenly.
Q. Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes! But homemade sauce tastes amazing. However, a high-quality barbecue sauce or cream of mushroom soup can save you time for the Swedish style.
Final Thoughts
How to make juicy Swedish and barbecue meatballs at home. Whether you love the comforting creamy taste of Swedish meatballs or the spicy smoky flavor of barbecue meatballs, this recipe has everything you need, so you can make homemade meatballs that are even better than the store-bought ones.
Swedish meatballs are incredibly easy to make, with step-by-step instructions that are easy for even beginners to master.
These meatballs are a versatile choice that can be easily adapted to your family’s taste.
When you’re craving a filling dinner this weekend or need something to make for a party appetizer that will catch everyone’s attention, give this meatball recipe a try.