Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Pioneer Woman’s Swedish Meatballs offer a cozy spin on the traditional classic, making it a nice dish ANY night of the week!

You’ll appreciate the combination of ground beef and pork, perfectly seasoned with nutmeg and allspice. Mmm.

I always recommend using a mix of panko breadcrumbs for the right texture

And don’t skip on letting the mixture sit to absorb the milk—it’s a small step that makes a big difference!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs

Ingredients

• 2 Large Eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1 pound Ground Beef
• 1 pound Ground Pork
• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons Unrefined Sea Salt
• 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 5 tablespoons Salted Butter
• 5 tablespoons All-purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Unrefined Sea Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).

Make sure it’s nice and hot when your meatballs are ready to bake.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix the lightly beaten eggs, milk, ground beef, and ground pork.

Add panko breadcrumbs, sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and nutmeg.

Use your hands to thoroughly combine the ingredients.

Step 3:

Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Keep them evenly spaced.

Step 4:

Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.

You want a nice crust on the outside.

Step 5:

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour, creating a smooth paste.

Add salt, pepper, and gradually pour in beef broth.

Simmer until it thickens.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients:

Opt for fresh spices and herbs for the best aroma and flavor in your meatballs and gravy.

Don’t Overpack the Meatballs:

Lightly pack your meatballs when shaping them to keep them tender and juicy.

Check the Internal Temperature:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) internally for safety.

Adjust the Gravy Consistency:

If your gravy is too thick, add a little beef broth at a time to reach your desired thickness.

Smooth and velvety gravy perfectly complements the meatballs.

Organize as You Cook:

Set up all ingredients and tools beforehand to streamline the process and save time when preparing the dish.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs

Buttered Noodles

You might want to try serving these meatballs with buttered noodles.

The mild flavors of these noodles let the savory meatballs really stand out.

You can add a bit of parsley or dill to the noodles for an extra touch of freshness.

Mashed Potatoes

Pairing the creamy, rich texture of mashed potatoes with your Swedish meatballs is always a winner.

The gravy from the meatballs seeps into the potatoes and creates a wonderful combination.

Try adding roasted garlic or chives to the mash for a bit of something extra.

Lingonberry Sauce

For a traditional touch, offer lingonberry sauce alongside your meatballs.

It’s a classic pairing that adds a sweet and slightly tart element to each bite.

If you can’t find lingonberries, cranberry sauce makes a great substitute!

Roasted Vegetables

Consider serving your meatballs with an assortment of roasted vegetables.

Carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt can work perfectly.

The vegetables add a healthy and satisfying component to your meal.

Parmesan Risotto

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, why not try serving Parmesan risotto with your meatballs?

The creaminess of the risotto complements the rich flavors of Swedish meatballs beautifully.

Feel free to add some sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist!

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Choices

You can use a mix of ground beef and pork, or switch to turkey for a lighter version.

Some folks enjoy using lamb to add a unique flavor profile to the meatballs.

Binders and Fillers

Panko breadcrumbs work wonders for texture, but regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers can be substituted.

If you’re gluten-free, consider using gluten-free oats or breadcrumbs as an alternative.

Dairy Alternatives

For those reducing dairy, swap milk with almond or oat milk, keeping the creaminess intact.

Heavy cream can also be used in place of milk if you want a richer taste in your meatballs.

Spice and Flavor

Try adding a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.

Feel free to adjust the traditional spices with a hint of allspice or coriander for a new twist.

Sauce Ingredients

Don’t hesitate to use ready-made beef gravy in a pinch if you’re short on time.

A little soy sauce mixed into the sauce can also enhance the umami flavor, making it a bit more savory.

How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs

You just made Pioneer Woman Swedish Meatballs, and now you’re wondering how to keep those tasty leftovers fresh.

First things first, get those meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge.

They’ll stay good for about four days.

Don’t forget to add some gravy to keep everything moist.

Next, if you plan on keeping them longer than a few days, it’s time to think about freezing.

Get a baking tray, and lay out the meatballs so they’re not touching.

Flash freeze them this way so they don’t clump together later.

Once they’re solid, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container.

They’ll be good for up to three months in the freezer.

Just remember to label that bag with the date!

Avoid freezing the sauce, as dairy can separate and lose its texture.

Only freeze the meatballs themselves for the best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the Meat Mix

One common mistake is not mixing the beef and pork thoroughly.

You want the flavors to blend perfectly.

So, give it a good mingle before shaping the meatballs!

Ignoring the Binding Process

Don’t underestimate the power of breadcrumbs and eggs.

These are crucial for keeping your meatballs from falling apart.

Failing to use them properly can lead to crumbly results.

Overcooking the Meatballs

Overcooking can dry out your meatballs.

Keep an eye on the cooking time to maintain their juicy texture.

You’ll thank yourself for this attention to detail!