Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 400g mixed ground meat (beef/pork) - 32 kr (Lidl)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 kr (ICA)
- 1 egg - 3 kr (Coop)
- 50ml milk - 2 kr (any store)
- 50g breadcrumbs - 4 kr (make from old bread)
- 1 tsp salt - 0.5 kr
- 1/2 tsp white pepper - 1 kr
- 2 tbsp butter for frying - 4 kr (Lidl)
For the cream sauce:
- 2 tbsp flour - 1 kr
- 400ml beef stock - 6 kr (bouillon cube)
- 200ml cream - 8 kr (ICA Basic)
- 2 tbsp lingonberry jam - 6 kr (Felix)
To serve:
- 800g potatoes - 8 kr (Lidl)
- 2 tbsp lingonberry jam - 6 kr (Felix)
Instructions
- Soak breadcrumbs in milk for 5 minutes until soft.
- Finely chop onion and sauté in a little butter until soft. Let cool.
- Mix ground meat, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, cooked onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined. Let rest for 15 minutes.
- Roll mixture into small balls, about 3cm diameter.
- Heat butter in a large pan over medium heat. Fry meatballs in batches until golden brown on all sides (8-10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add stock, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add cream and lingonberry jam, simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Return meatballs to sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, boil peeled potatoes until tender (15-20 minutes).
- Serve meatballs with cream sauce, boiled potatoes, and extra lingonberry jam.
About This Swedish Delicacy
Köttbullar are perhaps the most famous Swedish dish worldwide, but in Sweden, they're so much more than the IKEA version. Traditional Swedish meatballs are smaller and more delicate than their international cousins, and they're always served with cream sauce, lingonberries, and boiled potatoes.
This recipe uses a budget-friendly mix of beef and pork (or just beef if cheaper), and makes the sauce from scratch rather than using expensive pre-made versions. The secret to authentic Swedish meatballs is the combination of fine breadcrumbs soaked in milk and the addition of finely chopped sautéed onions.
Swedish tradition: Many families serve köttbullar on Sundays with the whole family gathered around the table. It's comfort food at its finest!
Money-saving tips: Buy meat in bulk when on sale and freeze portions. Make extra meatballs and freeze them after browning - they keep for 3 months!
Where to Buy (Best Prices)
- Ground meat: Lidl or Willys often have the best prices, especially mixed beef/pork
- Cream: ICA Basic or store brands are much cheaper than premium brands
- Lingonberry jam: Felix brand at Coop, or store brands at ICA
- Potatoes: Always cheapest at Lidl, buy in 2kg bags
- Stock cubes: Knorr or store brands work perfectly