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    Home » Recipes » Sauces and Compote Recipes

    Easy Swedish Meatball Sauce (Perfect for Frozen Meatballs!)

    Published: Dec 15, 2023 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    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.

    Close up of Swedish meatballs in sauce with a wooden spoon.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions
    • How to Make Swedish Meatball Sauce
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • What to Serve with Swedish Meatballs
    • Related Recipes
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients for Swedish Meatball Sauce.
    • 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

    Butter and flour in a gray skillet with a whisk.
    • 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.
    Beef broth in a skillet with a whisk.
    • 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.
    Swedish Meatball Sauce in a skillet with a whisk.
    • Step 3: Add the cream and nutmeg and return to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
    Swedish meatballs in a bowl with cucumbers and lingonberries.
    • 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.
    Skillet full of Swedish meatballs and Swedish meatball sauce.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make this sauce in advance?

    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.

    Can I freeze this sauce?

    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!

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      Warm Mustard Dill Sauce (Perfect for Salmon or Chicken)
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      3 Ingredient Horseradish Yogurt Sauce
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      Easy Danish Remoulade Sauce
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      Nordic Summer Herb Sauce

    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

    Close up of Swedish meatballs in sauce and a wooden spoon.

    Easy Swedish Meatball Sauce (Perfect for Frozen Meatballs!)

    A simple recipe for a savory, creamy sauce that is the perfect compliment to cooked Swedish meatballs whether they are homemade, vegetarian or cooked from frozen.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: sauces
    Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 173kcal
    Author: Kristi

    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.

    Notes

     
    To Make in Advance:  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.
    Recipe adapted from my Easy Swedish Meatballs with Gravy and Really Good Vegetarian Meatballs recipes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 173kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 613mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 811IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 0.3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen!

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    Comments

    1. Beth says

      January 22, 2025 at 4:27 pm

      I made the recipe but substituted Worcestershire sauce for the soy sauce and added a couple teaspoons of sour cream. Came out great!

      Reply
    2. Karen B.H. says

      January 12, 2025 at 9:57 am

      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!!!

      Reply
      • Kristi says

        January 21, 2025 at 1:51 pm

        Sounds delicious and easy! Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comment!
        Kristi

        Reply
    3. Troy Larson says

      January 11, 2025 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      Great sauce recipe, i like to add some allspice and fresh dill too for Grandmas flavors.

      Reply
      • Kristi says

        January 21, 2025 at 1:52 pm

        That sounds delicious. Thanks for your comment!
        Kristi

        Reply
    4. june-aloha says

      March 30, 2024 at 7:49 pm

      5 stars
      Yes, this is SUPER easy to make, yet authentic Swedish Meatball:)
      For Easter Dinner! Thanks for delicious recipe, less heavy cream and butter:)

      Reply
      • Kristi says

        April 02, 2024 at 5:44 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment!

        Kristi

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes

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