Easy Swedish Meatballs in the Instant Dutch Oven

Easy Swedish Meatballs in the Instant Dutch Oven 🍲🍖

These Swedish Meatballs are a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, these tender meatballs are simmered in a creamy sauce until they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Using the Instant Dutch Oven , this recipe is a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more hands-off cooking time. It’s a bowl full of comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again!

Let’s dive into how to make these easy Swedish meatballs step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pot Wonder : Cook everything in the Instant Dutch Oven for minimal cleanup.
2. Hands-Off Cooking : Most of the process is hands-free, making it perfect for busy evenings.
3. Comfort Food Classic : Rich, creamy, and packed with warm spices like nutmeg and cloves.
4. Customizable : Add mushrooms, adjust spices, or serve with different sides.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion : Great for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or meal prepping.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 mixture for juiciness ) 🥩
• 1 pound ground pork 🥓
• 1 onion , finely diced 🧅
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing ) 🫒
• 1 slice bread , torn into pieces 🍞
• ¼ cup milk 🥛
• 2 eggs 🥚
• ½ cup breadcrumbs 🍞
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper ⚫
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 🌰
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (or allspice as a substitute ) 🌿

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter 🧈
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 🥣
• 2 cups beef broth 🥣
• 1 cup heavy cream 🥛
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 🥢
• Optional : Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish )

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. In a small bowl, soak the bread slice in the milk until softened (about 5 minutes ). Squeeze out any excess milk and discard the liquid.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soaked bread, ground beef , ground pork , diced onion , eggs , breadcrumbs , salt , pepper , nutmeg , and cloves . Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Scoop out about 1–2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball between your palms. Repeat until all the mixture is used, forming about 20–24 meatballs .

Step 3: Sauté the Meatballs

1. Set your Instant Dutch Oven to Sauté mode and add the olive oil .
2. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per batch ). Do not overcrowd the pot—work in batches if needed. Remove the browned meatballs and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In the same pot, melt the butter . Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes , stirring constantly to create a roux.
2. Gradually whisk in the beef broth , ensuring no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes ).
3. Stir in the heavy cream and soy sauce , then return the meatballs to the pot.

Step 5: Simmer

1. Cover the pot and set the Instant Dutch Oven to Slow Cook mode (Low setting ) for 1–1.5 hours , or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
   • Tip : If using a stovetop Dutch oven, simmer on low heat with the lid on for the same amount of time.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve the Swedish meatballs hot with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Spices : Freshly ground nutmeg and cloves (or allspice) make a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Add Mushrooms : Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for added depth and texture.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the meatballs ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day before cooking.
4. Freeze for Later : Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the Instant Dutch Oven.
5. Switch Up the Sauce : For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.

Perfect Pairings

These Swedish Meatballs pair beautifully with:

• Mashed Potatoes : Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic combination.
• Egg Noodles : Toss the meatballs and sauce with buttered egg noodles for a hearty meal.
• Crusty Bread : Pair with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 8 servings)

• Calories : ~450 kcal
• Protein : ~25g
• Carbohydrates : ~15g
• Fat : ~30g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Swedish Meatballs are a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them for a casual weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or meal prepping for the week, these meatballs deliver on flavor and satisfaction. The combination of tender meatballs, warm spices, and a velvety sauce creates a dish that’s as indulgent as it is wholesome.

The best part? They’re endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair them with different sides to make them your own. So grab your Instant Dutch Oven, roll those meatballs, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.