Swedish Cardamom Meatballs Recipe

Name: Swedish Cardamom Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup milk (I use buttermilk); 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 lb ground pork; 3 eggs; salt & pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon ground cardamom; 1 1/2 cups yellow onions, finely chopped (divided use); 1/2 cup butter (divided use); 2 tablespoons sugar; 3 cups beef broth; 2 cups heavy cream; 3 tablespoons gravy mix; 1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 -4 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; Optional Lingonberry sauce; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 3/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup lingonberry preserves or 1/4 cup lingonberry jam

Servings: persons

2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup milk (I use buttermilk)
1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb ground pork
3 eggs
salt & pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon ground cardamom
1 1/2 cups yellow onions, finely chopped (divided use)
1/2 cup butter (divided use)
2 tablespoons sugar
3 cups beef broth
2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons gravy mix
1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 -4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup water
Optional Lingonberry sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup lingonberry preserves or 1/4 cup lingonberry jam

1
["Soak bread crumbs in milk or buttermilk in large mixing bowl for 5 minutes. Add meat, eggs, salt & pepper, cardamom and 1 cup chopped onion. Mix well and roll into 1-1/2"" meatballs. It helps to wet your hands as you roll.", "Saute meatballs in 1/4 cup butter approximately 20 minutes. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.", "In same skillet, saute 1/2 cup chopped onion with 1/4 cup butter, sugar and pepper unti caramelized, about 10 minumtes.", "Add beef broth to onion & sugar mixture, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Briefly cook over high heat.", "Add cream, gravy maker and all other spices and bring to a simmer.", "Make a slurry of the cornstarch & water and whisk the slurry into the mixture to thicken.", "If you're going to serve the meatballs right away, add them to the sauce and simmer another 20-30 minutes. Otherwise, cool and refrigerate sauce & meatballs, either together or separately. (I do this separately, as I often freeze the meatballs without the sauce.).", "Combine all ingredients for the lingonberry sauce and mix well.", "Serve meatballs in a chafing dish with sauce and lingonberry sauce on the side as a dip."]

2129

kcal

Calories

135

Fat

132

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 24 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup milk (I use buttermilk), 1 lb lean ground beef, 1 lb ground pork, and more.

Yes, Swedish Cardamom Meatballs falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Swedish Cardamom Meatballs

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions