If you are searching for a cozy, soul-satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs Recipe is just what you need. Perfectly tender meatballs enveloped in a velvety, creamy gravy come together effortlessly in the Instant Pot, making weeknight dinners or special gatherings a breeze. This recipe balances traditional Swedish flavors with the convenience of modern cooking, guaranteeing a meal that is as flavorful as it is comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the foundation of any fantastic dish. Here, you’ll find a beautiful blend of pantry staples and fresh herbs that bring out the classic essence of Swedish meatballs while delivering that luscious creamy texture and aromatic warmth.
- Ground pork and lean ground beef: A combination that ensures juicy, tender meatballs with perfect flavor depth.
- Breadcrumbs (Panko recommended): They add just the right amount of binding and a light texture.
- Medium onion, finely chopped or shredded: Infuses subtle sweetness that complements the savory meat.
- Egg yolks: Help bind the mixture while enriching the meatballs’ texture.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Ground nutmeg and allspice: These warm spices evoke the classic Swedish flavor profile wonderfully.
- Milk: Keeps the meatballs moist and tender during cooking.
- Olive oil: For browning the meatballs to a golden finish before pressure cooking.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the creamy gravy.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the gravy to the perfect consistency.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Builds a savory, rich flavor in the sauce without overwhelming saltiness.
- Sour cream: Adds luscious creaminess and a slight tang that balances the dish beautifully.
- Fresh dill and parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs that brighten and finish the dish with freshness and color.
How to Make Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Make Meatballs
Start by combining the ground pork, beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg yolks, salt, pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and milk in a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly so that the seasonings and milk are evenly distributed. Then, shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs—aiming for about 40 perfectly portioned bites. This step lays the groundwork for tender, flavorful meatballs that cook beautifully in the Instant Pot.
Step 2: Brown Meatballs
Activate the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot and heat the olive oil. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides to develop a golden crust. This enhances depth of flavor and gives the meatballs an inviting texture. Once browned, remove them carefully and set aside—don’t worry, they will finish cooking soon in the delicious sauce.
Step 3: Make Gravy
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter and whisk in the all-purpose flour. Let it cook for about a minute, forming a roux that will thicken the sauce. Gradually whisk in the beef broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Season the gravy lightly with salt and pepper. This luscious base will soak up the flavors of the meatballs to create the iconic creamy Swedish gravy.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Return the browned meatballs to the Instant Pot, submerging them gently in the gravy. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” on high pressure for 8 minutes. This step ensures the meatballs become fully cooked and super tender without drying out. After the cooking cycle ends, use a quick release to let the steam out and safely open the pot.
Step 5: Finish
Carefully take the meatballs out and place them on a serving dish. Switch the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” and simmer the gravy for 4 to 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Finally, stir in the sour cream to make the sauce luxuriously creamy. Pour the gravy generously over the meatballs and sprinkle with freshly chopped dill and parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill and parsley are not just for decoration; they bring a clean, bright contrast to the rich meatballs and gravy. Consider adding a few whole sprigs on the side or a light dusting of paprika for warmth and a pop of color. A lemon wedge can offer a dreamy citrus twist if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles are perfect canvases for soaking up that creamy sauce. For a lighter approach, serve with steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts to add crunch and freshness. Pickled cucumbers or lingonberry jam make traditional accompaniments that balance the savory meatballs beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stack the meatballs on small toasted baguette slices and drizzle with the creamy gravy as a delightful appetizer. Or turn this into a hearty sandwich with crusty bread, a handful of arugula, and a generous scoop of the gravy. The versatility of this Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs Recipe means you can adapt it to whatever occasion you’re celebrating!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the meatballs and gravy together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy seconds or a quick lunch without reheating complicated slices or preparing the sauce again.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze the meatballs and gravy in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Be sure to let everything cool completely before sealing and freezing. They’ll maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and gravy in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if needed, heat in short bursts stirring in between to prevent uneven warming.
FAQs
Can I use only ground beef or only ground pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the original recipe combines both for the best flavor and texture, you can use just ground beef or ground pork depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Keep in mind that pork adds more fat and juiciness, while beef will give a more robust flavor.
Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before pressure cooking?
Browning is highly recommended as it creates a beautiful crust and enhances the flavor and aroma of the meatballs. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step. The meatballs will still cook through in the Instant Pot but may lack some of that depth and texture.
Can I make the gravy dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut oil or olive oil, and use a dairy-free sour cream or plain coconut yogurt to finish the sauce. The flavor will be slightly different but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.
How do I adjust the seasoning if I want it spicier?
Swedish meatballs are traditionally mild, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the gravy to introduce heat. Add gradually and taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice.
Can I double this Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs Recipe?
Definitely! Just be sure not to overcrowd the Instant Pot when browning or pressure cooking. You may need to brown the meatballs in more batches and consider making the gravy in two smaller portions or increasing the cooking time slightly if your pot is very full. Always check that the meatballs are cooked through before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite for good reason. It delivers authentic Swedish comfort food in a fraction of the time with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. I hope you enjoy recreating this warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying dish as much as I do. Once you try it, it just might hold a permanent place on your dinner rotation!
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Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender meatballs made from ground pork and beef, cooked to perfection in a rich and creamy gravy. The recipe combines classic spices like nutmeg and allspice, finished with fresh herbs and sour cream, making it an effortless and delicious meal ideal for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped or shredded
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
Gravy
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, lean ground beef, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg yolks, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and milk. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, yielding about 40 meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Turn your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting and heat the olive oil. In batches, brown the meatballs on all sides, ensuring they develop a nice crust. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside to prevent overcrowding the pot.
- Make Gravy: Using the same Instant Pot, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking it for about 1 minute until slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Season the gravy with salt and pepper according to taste. Return the browned meatballs to the pot, submerging them in the gravy.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid properly and set the valve to sealing. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function on high pressure and cook for 8 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to venting.
- Finish: Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside. Turn the Instant Pot back to “Sauté” mode and simmer the gravy for 4-5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated and creamy. Pour the rich gravy over the meatballs and garnish with freshly chopped dill and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Using Panko breadcrumbs helps keep the meatballs light and tender.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to avoid dense meatballs.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Leftover meatballs store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Swedish
