Effortless Koettbullar gemacht

Featured in Family-Favorite Main Dishes.

Swedish Köttbullar are made with mixed ground meat and get served up in a thick, creamy lingonberry sauce.

Rehan Magic House Recipes
Updated on Thu, 29 May 2025 14:54:49 GMT
A bowl of meatballs in creamy sauce with fresh parsley on top. Pin it
A bowl of meatballs in creamy sauce with fresh parsley on top. | magichouserecipes.com

These Swedish meatballs hold a special place in my heart. These tiny flavor bombs haven't just taken over Sweden—they've completely won over my kitchen too. With my no-fuss recipe, you can now whip them up at home.

A Taste of Sweden

What pizza means to Italy, meatballs mean to Sweden: a national treasure that every family makes their own way. These small, juicy balls paired with cranberry jam and velvety brown gravy represent pure tradition.

Quick and tasty

Whenever I make meatballs, my guests can't get enough. Truth is, they're way simpler to cook than most folks think. Follow my pointers and you'll nail these Swedish delights every time.

The main ingredients

In my kitchen, I mix pork and beef mince for meatballs, then add cream, eggs and onions. The traditional serving includes tangy-sweet cranberry jam, rich creamy gravy and crunchy pickled cucumbers.

What you'll need

  • Ground meat: 500 g mixed for ideal flavor
  • Cream: 100 ml to make the sauce silky
  • Egg: 1 to hold everything together
  • Onions: 1 chopped small for taste
  • Soy sauce: 1 tbsp my hidden trick
  • Lingonberry jam: for that sweet-tart kick
  • Gravy base: 200 ml homemade tastes best
  • Spices: salt, pepper, nutmeg to your liking
  • Butter: 1 tbsp for frying

Making perfect meatballs

The right mix
I knead the meat thoroughly but not too long. This keeps my meatballs juicy and light
The ideal size
I shape them golf-ball sized, one tablespoon of mixture per ball works great
My shaping hack
Wet hands make the mixture much easier to shape and stops sticking
Even cooking
I turn the meatballs regularly until they're golden brown all over
Flavorful sauce
The browned bits in the pan are pure gold for my sauce, never wipe the pan clean
A bowl of meatballs in creamy sauce topped with fresh parsley. Pin it
A bowl of meatballs in creamy sauce topped with fresh parsley. | magichouserecipes.com

Delicious pairings

At my table, meatballs come with boiled potatoes. Sometimes I swap in smooth mashed potatoes, rice or crispy roasted spuds. Lingonberries and pickled cucumbers aren't optional for me—they bring that authentic Swedish magic to the plate.

Sweet meets savory

The lingonberry jam is my absolute favorite part. Its sweet-tart flavor transforms these savory meatballs into a real taste adventure. This combo just can't be beaten.

My comfort food

Whether as a full dinner or just by themselves, my meatballs are true soul food. They fit any occasion and simply make people happy.

How I cook meatballs

Prep the mixture
Mix ground meat, egg, onions and all spices together well
Shape the balls
With damp hands, form even balls and set aside
The frying
Cook in butter until golden brown, then keep warm
The sauce
Bring stock and cream to a boil in the meat juices, season, then return meatballs to sauce

Serving suggestion

The steaming meatballs go on a plate with a spoonful of lingonberry jam, plus the creamy gravy and my favorite side. A Swedish feast that wows everyone.

My twists

I like to play around sometimes. Try using just beef, or add fresh herbs. Even a plant-based version with veggie mince turns out great.

A bowl containing delicious meatballs served in creamy sauce, topped with fresh parsley. Pin it
A bowl containing delicious meatballs served in creamy sauce, topped with fresh parsley. | magichouserecipes.com

Ideal for company

When I'm expecting guests, meatballs are my go-to. You can make them ahead, and they actually taste better reheated. A dish that always gets rave reviews.

Zero waste eating

I creatively reuse leftovers the next day. The meatballs taste amazing cold with pasta or stuffed in a sandwich. Nothing gets wasted.

Kid-friendly and delicious

Little ones go crazy for my meatballs. The handy size, mild seasoning, and of course the sweet lingonberries make them a total hit with kids.

Nutritious and wholesome

I only use top-quality ingredients, fresh ground meat, and make the sauce from scratch. This turns the meatballs into a complete and healthy meal.

Classic meets modern

Sometimes I give traditional meatballs a contemporary twist. Adding ginger and extra soy sauce transforms them into an exciting fusion dish.

A year-round favorite

Summer or winter, my meatballs always fit the bill. They bring a bit of Swedish coziness to your dining table any time.

A blue bowl filled with juicy meatballs in creamy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. Pin it
A blue bowl filled with juicy meatballs in creamy sauce, garnished with fresh parsley. | magichouserecipes.com

My final thoughts

Meatballs are simple to make, incredibly versatile, and loved by everyone. With my recipe, you can easily cook this Swedish classic at home. Smaklig måltid (enjoy your meal) from your meatball enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the point of wetting your hands to roll the meatballs?
If your hands are damp, the meat won’t stick everywhere. Shaping the balls is super easy that way.
→ Can I prep the meatballs early?
Totally! Make the Köttbullar and keep them in the fridge. Just heat up the sauce fresh and pop the balls in to warm through.
→ Why toss lingonberry jam in the sauce?
Lingonberry jam gives the sauce that classic sweet-tangy punch you get in Swedish dishes.
→ Which meat mix should I pick?
Go with half beef and half pork for awesome flavor and the right texture.
→ If I skip cream, what else works for the sauce?
Use coconut milk or oat cream to swap out the cream. It won’t be as thick but still tastes great.

Conclusion

Swedish Köttbullar are formed with a combo of ground meats, then finished in a velvety sauce sweetened with lingonberries.

Effortless Koettbullar gemacht

Classic Swedish meatballs with silky gravy and lingonberries. You’ll get this comforting homemade dish done easily.

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Reham

Category: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Swedish

Yield: 4 Servings (24–28 balls)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 1 egg, fresh
02 2 tbsp bread crumbs
03 3 tbsp dark soy sauce for the sauce
04 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
05 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
06 1 tbsp plant oil
07 50g fresh onions
08 3 tbsp lingonberry jam for the sauce
09 1 tbsp lingonberry jam
10 3 tbsp cream for meat
11 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 250ml cream for sauce
13 250ml meat drippings
14 1 tbsp cornstarch
15 1 tbsp cold water
16 50g butter, split
17 500g mixed ground meat

Instructions

Step 01

Toss the cooked meatballs into that creamy sauce then serve right up.

Step 02

Get your cream and pan juices bubbling. Mix in your cornstarch paste to thicken things up. Toss in jam and soy sauce to flavor.

Step 03

Use a wet tablespoon to scoop up the meat mix and shape small balls. Fry until golden, using both oil and butter.

Step 04

Dump your ground meat and those cooked onions into the spice blend. Mix with care — don’t overdo it.

Step 05

Stir together egg, lingonberry jam, bread crumbs, cream, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Dice onions and cook them in some butter till soft.

Notes

  1. Wet your hands so the mix doesn't get sticky when you shape those meatballs.
  2. Keep mixing the meat short and sweet, not too long.
  3. Thicken that sauce however you like it best.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan
  • Big bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten
  • Egg
  • Dairy

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 580
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 35 g