There’s nothing cozier than a plate of tender Swedish meatballs blanketed in a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re using homemade, frozen, or even vegetarian meatballs, this easy Swedish Meatball Sauce is the perfect way to take them to the next level. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it’s quick to whip up and adds a velvety, savory touch to every bite.
Not only does this luscious gravy-style sauce pair beautifully with meatballs, but it’s also delicious drizzled over mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or even roasted vegetables. With just a few minutes of prep, you can create a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
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Ingredients
- Butter - ands richness and a bit of flour thickens the sauce nicely.
- Store bought broth - the type of broth is up to you! Feel free to use beef broth, a combination of beef and chicken broth or even vegetable broth if you are making Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs.
- Heavy whipping cream - provides rich flavor and a velvety texture.
- Soy sauce - adds dark color and a bit of savory-ness (without the sauce tasting like soy sauce).
- Ground nutmeg - mimics the spices in Swedish meatballs and helps the sauce and meatballs compliment one another.
- Chopped parsley or chives - sprinkled over the dish prior to serving isn't necessary but it brightens things up and gives it a homemade touch!
See the recipe card below for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
Substitutions
- Vegetarian - Be sure to use vegetable broth in the recipe as opposed to chicken and/or beef broth. This sauce is wonderful with my homemade vegetarian Swedish meatballs or use a frozen version if you like.
- Vegan - use vegetable broth, a vegan butter substitute or olive oil for the unsalted butter, and substitute an unsweetened vegan half-and-half (Such as the Califia Farms Unsweetened Better Half Coffee Creamer) for the cream.
How to Make Swedish Meatball Sauce
- Step 1: Begin by preparing your meatballs according to the package instructions or the recipe you are using. Set aside. Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once it is bubbling, add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute.
- Step 2: Slowly add the broth and soy sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has reduced slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the cream and nutmeg and return to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Add the cooked meatballs and simmer them in the sauce until they are warmed through. Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles, fresh pickled cucumbers and lingonberry jam.
Expert Tips
- Be sure to cook the flour in the butter for one minute. Raw flour in your sauce can lead to off flavors in the final result.
- SLOWLY add the broth into the butter and flour mixture as you constantly whisk or stir with a wooden spoon. This will help prevent lumps from forming. If you are using a nonstick skillet, be sure to have a silicone whisk on hand for this job. It will save the nonstick surface on your skillet from nicks and scratches.
- Remember to salt and pepper to taste! It will probably need a little additional salt but the amount will vary depending on the type and brand of broth you use.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Simply prepare the sauce as directed and let it cool to room temperature. Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, reheat in a skillet over medium low heat and add your cooked meatballs to heat through.
I don't usually recommend freezing cream-based sauces or soups because of the risk of the sauce or soup separating when reheated. Should you want to try freezing it anyway, make sure the sauce is completely cool and stored in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw the sauce completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and serving.
What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs are usually served in a creamy sauce or gravy (like this one!) on top of mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles. Both are delicious!
Swedish meatballs are typically served with a dollop of lingonberry jam or Lingonberry Sauce and with a serving of Fresh Pickled Cucumbers alongside. This trio of savory, sweet and tangy is an unforgettable combination that hits all the right flavor notes. I also like to round out the meal with these Green Beans with Dill Caper Butter.
Check out this post for more ideas for What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs!
Related Recipes
Looking for more Scandinavian sauce recipes? Give these a try!
If you tried this Swedish Meatball Sauce recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Easy Swedish Meatball Sauce (Perfect for Frozen Meatballs!)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups broth beef, a combination of beef and chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1-2 pinches of ground nutmeg more to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives optional
To Serve:
- 10-16 ounces cooked Swedish meatballs frozen or homemade
- Lingonberry jam or homemade lingonberry sauce
- Fresh Pickled Cucumbers
- Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs according to the package instructions or the recipe you are using. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute. Add broth and soy sauce, whisking constantly. Simmer until reduced slightly. Add cream and nutmeg and return to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Add meatballs to sauce and simmer briefly to reheat. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve.
Beth
I made the recipe but substituted Worcestershire sauce for the soy sauce and added a couple teaspoons of sour cream. Came out great!
Karen B.H.
One lazy unusual cold week night in Texas, I checked the freezer and found some Ikea meatballs. I made your recipe (I had all the ingredients on hand!) and bam! Dinner was ready in less than 30 minutes (meal ready and table set!). Perfect for a busy Wednesday. Serve with “moose” pasta from the same store. Thank you!!!
Kristi
Sounds delicious and easy! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comment!
Kristi
Troy Larson
Great sauce recipe, i like to add some allspice and fresh dill too for Grandmas flavors.
Kristi
That sounds delicious. Thanks for your comment!
Kristi
june-aloha
Yes, this is SUPER easy to make, yet authentic Swedish Meatball:)
For Easter Dinner! Thanks for delicious recipe, less heavy cream and butter:)
Kristi
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment!
Kristi