Name: Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients: 1 12 oz package egg noodles (optional); 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup flour; 2 cups beef broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (to taste); 30 frozen meatballs

There's something so comforting about a plate full of tender, saucy meatballs that just melts in your mouth. This Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe hits all those warmth-and-comfort notes, but with a simplicity that makes it a perfect weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat.

A white large pan filled with about 30 small, round meatballs covered in thick, smooth light brown sauce that fills the bottom of the pan. The meatballs have a browned, slightly crispy texture visible on top and peek through the sauce in some areas. The pan is set on a white marbled surface, and the sauce stays evenly spread beneath the meatballs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't tell you how many times this recipe has saved dinner plans when I’m short on time but craving something yummy and satisfying. The creamy sauce is like a hug for these meatballs—and that’s why this recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen.

Speedy Prep: It’s ready in just about 15 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy days.
Elegantly Simple: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor—no fancy steps or long ingredient lists.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish shines.
Absolutely Delicious: Rich, creamy, and comforting—the perfect company for tender frozen meatballs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe plays a key role to create that luscious sauce and tender bites you’re aiming for. Here’s what you need and why these ingredients come together so well.

Flat lay of fresh wide ribbon egg noodles arranged neatly next to a small pat of creamy pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely sifted white flour, a cluster of whole brown eggs with smooth clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl containing rich golden beef broth, another small white ceramic bowl holding thick ivory heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dark glossy Worcestershire sauce, a shallow white ceramic dish with fresh coarse black peppercorns and a pinch of coarse sea salt crystals, and a plate of moist browned homemade meatballs, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Egg noodles (optional): They soak up all the creamy sauce perfectly, but feel free to swap for rice or potatoes if you want a twist.
Butter: The base for your sauce, it adds richness and helps cook the flour to form a roux that thickens beautifully.
Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce, just whisk it in well for a smooth texture without lumps.
Beef broth: It gives that deep, meaty flavor to the sauce without overpowering the meatballs.
Heavy cream: This is the magic ingredient that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and rich.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tangy depth that elevates the flavor complexity.
Salt and black pepper: To taste—seasoning brings everything together, so don't skip or skimp on these.
Frozen meatballs: The star protein here; using frozen ones saves so much prep time without sacrificing taste.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to mix things up with this recipe depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in my pantry. It’s super flexible—you can easily add your own twist and make it feel like your own special dish.

Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of soy sauce to the creamy sauce for a slightly different flavor profile that I love.
Dietary swap: Use plant-based meatballs and a non-dairy cream substitute to make it vegan-friendly—it still turns out deliciously creamy!
Seasonal twist: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for extra texture and flavor, especially in fall and winter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe

A clear glass bowl is shown from above, placed on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, there are three sections of ingredients, each holding a different textured layer. The top right section has a layer of deep red meat with a finely minced texture, the bottom right section holds a pale pink minced meat with a soft, ribbed look, and the left side contains a beige, grainy mixture with visible specks, possibly seasoning or breadcrumbs. Each layer is neatly separated without mixing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook your base (noodles, rice, or potatoes)

Start by boiling water and cooking the egg noodles according to the package directions. I usually do this first because it frees you up to make the sauce while the noodles cook. If you’re going the rice or mashed potatoes route, make sure those are heating up or prepped ahead.

Step 2: Whip up the roux for your creamy sauce

Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's melted. Then whisk in flour—don’t be discouraged if it looks clumpy at first, just keep stirring! Cook until the mixture starts to take on a light brown hue; this step builds a warm, nutty flavor that's key for the sauce.

Step 3: Add liquids and seasonings

Slowly pour in the beef broth and heavy cream while whisking vigorously to keep the sauce silky smooth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Turn the heat down and let it simmer gently—this helps the flavors meld and the sauce thicken perfectly.

Step 4: Warm your meatballs and combine

While the sauce simmers, microwave your frozen meatballs just to thaw and give them a head start—they don’t need to be piping hot here. Add them directly to the sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes so they soak up that creamy goodness.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Once everything's warmed through and the sauce is thick and delicious, serve your meatballs over your cooked noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes. If you like, sprinkle with a little fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe come out perfectly every time, and I’m excited to share them with you.

Whisk constantly: When adding your broth and cream, whisking non-stop prevents lumps and keeps the sauce velvety smooth—this changed my sauce game!
Don’t rush the roux: Cooking the flour and butter until brown-ish develops richer flavor; skipping this step results in a blander sauce.
Simmer, don’t boil: Keeping the sauce at a low simmer ensures it thickens without breaking or getting grainy.
Prep your sides ahead: Having noodles or potatoes ready so you can serve immediately makes a big difference if you’re feeding hungry people!

How to Serve Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top—it brightens up the rich sauce and adds a fresh note. Sometimes I add a small pinch of smoked paprika just for a subtle, smoky warmth that surprises your palate.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are my go-to because they cradle the sauce so well, but egg noodles cooked al dente work beautifully too. For a lighter side, steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad cut the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served these meatballs on a bed of buttery spaetzle with a handful of fried onions on top—it always wows guests. You could also make mini sliders by stuffing meatballs and some sauce into slider buns for a fun appetizer twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so when you reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to that perfect consistency.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Just portion the meatballs and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I find freezing preserves the creamy texture surprisingly well.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little broth or cream until it’s smooth again. Avoid microwaving to keep the sauce from separating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe from scratch?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses frozen meatballs for speed, you can make homemade Swedish meatballs and use the same creamy sauce for just as delicious results.

What can I serve instead of egg noodles?

Rice, mashed potatoes, or even buttered spaetzle are excellent alternatives that soak up the creamy sauce just as well as egg noodles.

How do I keep the sauce from breaking?

Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer and avoid boiling it rapidly. Adding the cream slowly and whisking consistently helps keep the sauce silky and prevents it from separating.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the sauce ahead and cook the meatballs later, or assemble everything and refrigerate before reheating gently just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Swedish Meatballs with Creamy Sauce Recipe has become my go-to when I want tasty food without fuss. It’s perfect for those nights you want something hearty and satisfying but can’t dedicate hours in the kitchen. I’m confident once you try it, it’ll hold a special place in your dinner rotation too—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!