Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs | Simple Swedish Meatball Recipe

Enjoy these Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

Why You'll Love Them

• Effortless. Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can enjoy this classic Swedish dish without the lengthy preparation.
• Savory and Comforting. Swedish meatballs are the epitome of cozy comfort food, and this recipe delivers all the comforting flavors you crave.
• Rich Gravy. The creamy and flavorful gravy elevates the dish to a whole new level, making it perfect for serving over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice.
• Impressively Quick. You won't believe how fast you can whip up these delicious meatballs and have them on the table, ready to impress your family or guests.

So, grab your Instant Pot, and let's embark on a culinary journey to Sweden right in your own kitchen!

What Makes Swedish Meatballs Different From Regular Meatballs?

Swedish meatballs, or "köttbullar" in Swedish, are distinct from regular meatballs in several ways, which contribute to their unique flavor and texture. Here are the key differences:

• Meat Mixture- Swedish meatballs typically use a combination of ground beef and ground pork, or sometimes ground veal, whereas regular meatballs often consist of just one type of meat, like beef. The mixture of meats adds complexity and richness to the flavor.
• Seasoning- Swedish meatballs are delicately seasoned with spices like allspice and white pepper, giving them a warm and aromatic flavor profile. Regular meatballs may have a more straightforward seasoning with ingredients like garlic, onion, and parsley.

Swedish meatballs are distinct due to their combination of meats, unique seasoning, smaller size, and the specific way they are served and prepared. These differences give them a delightful and unmistakable flavor that sets them apart from regular meatballs.

How Can I Thicken My Swedish Meatball Sauce?

If you find that the cream sauce that you serve these delicious Instant Pot meatballs with isn't quite thick enough, follow the steps below to thicken it to your liking:

1. In a small bowl, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a smooth slurry.
2. Pour your Swedish meatball sauce into the Instant Pot liner and bring it to a simmer using the saute function.
3. Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to simmer and stir until the sauce thickens to your liking.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Meatballs

• Ground Beef
• Ground Pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Milk
• Chopped Onion
• Parsley
• Egg
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Allspice
• Nutmeg

For the Sauce

• Beef Broth
• Heavy Cream
• Mushrooms
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Salt and Pepper

How To Make Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs

Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let them sit for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs absorb the milk.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, parsley, egg, salt, black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg.
3. Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. Shape the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 24 meatballs.

Sear the Meatballs in the Instant Pot

1. Set your Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a bit of oil.
2. Once the pot is hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear them until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Pressure Cook

1. Add the beef broth and finely diced mushrooms to the Instant Pot liner and use it to deglaze the bottom of the pan, using the back of a spoon to remove any browned bits.
2. Add the meatballs back to the pot with the broth.
3. Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" mode. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes.
4. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully perform a quick pressure release.

Create The Sauce

1. Remove the Instant Pot lid.
2. Add the salt, pepper, heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce to the cooked meatballs and broth.
3. Set the Pot to saute. Stir until the sauce starts to thicken and is warmed through.

Tips And Tricks

Making Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results:

• Don't Overmix. When mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Uniform Meatballs. Try to make the meatballs a consistent size to ensure even cooking. A size of about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter is ideal.
• Deglaze the Pot. After searing the meatballs, there might be some browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Deglaze the pot with a bit of broth or water to incorporate those flavors into the sauce.

Variations

While traditional Swedish meatballs are flavorful on their own, you can add your own twist to this classic dish when making Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs. Here are some variations to consider:

• Mushroom Cream Sauce. Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy flavor. You can also stir in a bit of heavy cream or sour cream for a creamy mushroom sauce.
• Swedish Meatball Subs. Instead of serving the meatballs with pasta or potatoes, make sandwiches with crusty rolls. Top with meatballs, sauce, and melted cheese for a hearty sub sandwich.
• Custom Meat Mix. Experiment with different meat combinations. Try a mix of ground beef and ground turkey for a leaner option, or blend in some ground veal for a more traditional flavor.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs

Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs are a delicious and hearty dish that pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some traditional and creative options to serve alongside them:

• Egg Noodles- Traditional Swedish Meatballs are often served over a bed of buttered egg noodles. They soak up the creamy sauce and provide a comforting base for the meatballs.
• Mashed Potatoes- Creamy mashed potatoes are another classic side dish choice. The creamy texture of the potatoes complements the savory meatballs and sauce.
• Lingonberry Sauce- Offer lingonberry sauce or lingonberry preserves as a condiment. The sweet and tart flavor of lingonberries pairs wonderfully with the richness of the meatballs.

How Long Do They Last?

Cooked Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.

Can You Freeze Them?

If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them.

Place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents them from sticking together during freezing. Once the meatballs are frozen solid, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable freezer bags.

Properly frozen Swedish meatballs can last in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months without significant loss of quality. However, for the best taste and texture, try to enjoy them within a few weeks of freezing.

More Delicious Meatball Recipes

• Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
• Keto Taco Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs
• Meatball Casserole

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