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Keto Swedish Meatballs With a Creamy Sauce 🍲

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Prepare to delight your taste buds with our Keto Swedish Meatballs. We have combined ground beef and pork to create meatballs that are simply outstanding. They are generously coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will leave you craving more. The best part? This is a keto spin on a classic dish, so you can enjoy it without ditching your diet. So why wait? Dive into this keto masterpiece and savor every delicious bite!

Meatballs neatly arranged on a plate.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing Swedish Meatballs is a walk in the park. Make meatballs by adding sauteed onions, ground beef, pork, and your favorite spices. Sear them to perfection and drench them in our creamy sauce. You've got a "Swedish smorgasbord" ready to rock in just an hour!

Chef's note

If you're in the mood for some spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fiery kick. And don't hesitate to experiment with dried herbs such as rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavor of your meatballs. There are endless possibilities, so feel free to experiment!

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 8 Servings

🍲 Ingredients for this keto Swedish meatballs recipe

Here is a simple ingredient list to follow:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

For the sauce

  • 1-ounce unsalted butter
  • 1 cup beef bone broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4-ounce cream cheese
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Herb-garnished meatballs in creamy sauce.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Olive oil: No olive oil? No worries! Try coconut or avocado oil as a substitute.
  • Ground beef: If you don't prefer ground beef, you can use ground lamb. Just note there will be a slight change in flavor.
  • Spice blend: Use a homemade blend. Just mix equal parts cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
  • Beef broth: If you don't have beef stock, vegetable or chicken broth can easily stand in for beef broth in the sauce.
  • Cream cheese: Swap out cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt or mascarpone.

Additional ingredients

  • Garlic: Add minced garlic for an enhanced flavor.
  • Fresh herbs: Add finely chopped parsley, dill, or thyme into the meatballs or sauce.
  • Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms in the creamy sauce add an earthy flavor.
  • Dijon mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard gives a tangy kick to the sauce.
  • Spices: For a spice punch, try a bit of cayenne. Smoky flair? Paprika. Or you can add cinnamon for an exotic twist and flavorful meatballs.

Note: These additional ingredients are optional. Please check the recipe card for complete nutritional information.

Keto meatball recipe with creamy sauce garnished with spring onions and coriander.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Swedish Meatballs recipe, you'll need the following kitchen tools:

  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Saucepan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Paper towels
  • Medium-sized saucepan

Tools substitute options

  • Large cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a large frying pan, a wok, or a Dutch oven.
  • Wooden spoon: If you don't have a wooden spoon, use a silicone spatula, a metal spoon, or a heat-resistant plastic spoon.
  • Paper towels: Instead of paper towels, use a clean kitchen cloth to drain the meatballs.
Swedish meatballs covered in creamy sauce on a plate.

How to make Keto Swedish Meatballs: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-frying

Preparation steps

  1. Get and measure all your ingredients.
  2. Get your cooking tools ready.
  3. Take the onions and chop them up into small pieces.

Cooking instructions

Make the meatballs

  1. Heat a large skillet on medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil.
  2. Toss in the chopped onions and stir for 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, put the ground beef, pork, egg yolks, allspice, nutmeg, and onion. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Then mix well with a wooden spoon.
  4. Now, it's time to roll! With clean hands, form 1 ½-inch meatballs.
  5. Add the remaining olive oil (one tablespoon) to the same skillet.
  6. Once heated, place the meatballs in a single layer and fry them (in batches) for about 4-5 minutes until all sides are golden.
  7. Next, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
Ground beef, pork, egg yolks, allspice, nutmeg, onion, salt, and pepper put in a mixing bowl.
Dough for meatballs.
Round mini meatballs.
Browned Swedish meatballs in a cast iron pan.

Make the sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over gentle low heat.
  2. Slowly pour the beef bone broth and heavy cream, stirring them gently.
  3. Then, add cream cheese and stir until it's melted.
  4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and swirl until well combined.
  5. Cook the sauce over low heat for 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir it occasionally.
  6. Finally, add the meatballs to the pan and stir until they are well coated with the sauce.
  7. Transfer to a plate and serve warm!
Parmesan and cream cheese added to beef bone broth in a cast iron dish.
Freshly prepared creamy sauce.

Chef's pro tip

When making these meatballs, be cautious not to overcook them. Shape the mixture into equal-sized balls and fry them for approximately 4-5 minutes until they achieve a golden color. Remember, they will continue cooking in the sauce. Also, ensure not to overmix the meatball mixture. Simply combine the ingredients until well incorporated without excessive mixing.

What to serve with low-carb Swedish meatballs?

  • Cauliflower rice: This low-carb white rice alternative makes an excellent bed for meatballs and luscious gravy.
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slight bitterness complements the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Zucchini noodles: If you're craving pasta, zoodles are your best friend. They pair nicely with the meatballs and align with the keto diet.
  • Grilled asparagus: Its vibrant flavor and crisp texture pair well with the meatballs, adding a fresh contrast.
  • Green salad: A simple green salad is always a great way to balance out a rich, hearty dish.
Low-carb meatballs with cheese sauce topping.

How to make it healthier?

  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
  • Reduce the sodium content of the recipe.

Time-saving tips

  • Instead of chopping the onion by hand, use a food processor to chop them into small pieces.
  • For evenly-sized meatballs, use a cookie scoop to shape them instead of rolling them by hand. It's a handy trick to ensure consistent portions.
Low-carb Swedish meatballs, served on a plate.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Meat mixture: Prepare the meat mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
  • Meatball sauce: Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop before adding the meatballs.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

You can easily store the leftover meatballs with these simple practices:

  • Refrigerator: Store the leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: We don't recommend freezing the meatballs in the sauce. Freeze them separately and then thaw and reheat as needed.
Detailed texture of sauced meatballs.

Reheating tips

  • Microwave: This is the quickest and easiest way to reheat meatballs. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover them with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes.
  • Stovetop: Place them in a saucepan with some water or broth. Heat over medium-low heat, occasionally stirring, until heated.
  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the meatballs in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

If you're a fan of Swedish flavors, you absolutely have to try this Keto Swedish Meatballs recipe. Combining pork and ground beef results in incredibly juicy bites that are hard to resist. And let's talk about that creamy, cheesy sauce—it takes the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness! Whether it's a cozy dinner or a satisfying lunch, you can enjoy it with your loved ones and make a lasting impression!

So why wait? Go ahead and make this mouthwatering dish. Let us know how it turned out!

Close-up of keto Swedish meatballs.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it is! Sautéing softens the onions and enhances their natural sweetness.

Check for a browned exterior and a firm texture. You can also cut one open to ensure there is no pink inside.

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with keto-friendly cheese like cheddar or soft blue cheese.

Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture. You can even chill the formed keto meatballs in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cooking.

If your sauce isn't thickening as you expected, try reducing the heat to a simmer instead of boiling it. Another option is to incorporate more cheese or add a small amount of keto-friendly thickener, such as xanthan gum. These adjustments should help you achieve the desired consistency for your sauce.

Low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, bell peppers, and zucchini are a great match. You can either boil or roast them.

📖 Recipe

Keto Swedish meatballs.

Keto Swedish Meatballs

Keto Swedish Meatballs is a low-carb twist on the classic Swedish dish, featuring juicy meatballs made with ground beef and pork, and smothered in a creamy sauce.
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Swedish
Keyword: easy, keto meatballs, low carb meatballs, swedish meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Calories: 499kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

For the sauce

  • 1- ounce unsalted butter
  • 1 cup beef bone broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4- ounce cream cheese
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Make the meatballs

  • Heat a large skillet on medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Toss in the chopped onions and stir for 2-3 minutes until they turn translucent. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, put the ground beef, pork, egg yolks, allspice, nutmeg, and onion. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Then mix well with a wooden spoon.
  • Now, it's time to roll! With clean hands, form 1 ½-inch meatball.
  • Add the remaining olive oil (one tablespoon) to the same skillet.
  • Once heated, place the meatballs in a single layer and fry them (in batches) for about 4-5 minutes until all sides are golden.
  • Next, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

Make the sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over gentle low heat.
  • Slowly pour the beef bone broth and heavy cream, stirring them gently.
  • Then, add cream cheese and stir until it's melted.
  • Toss in the grated Parmesan cheese and swirl until well combined.
  • Cook the sauce over low heat for 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir it occasionally.
  • Finally, add the meatballs to the pan and stir until they are well coated with the sauce.
  • Transfer to a plate and serve warm!

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Swedish Meatballs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 499 Calories from Fat 387
% Daily Value*
Fat 43g66%
Saturated Fat 19g119%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 17g
Cholesterol 173mg58%
Sodium 523mg23%
Potassium 383mg11%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 0.3g1%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 617IU12%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 127mg13%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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