Swedish Meatballs + Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs

Swedish Meatballs and Spaghetti Sauce

Two beloved vintage recipes from community cookbooks: tender Swedish Meatballs in rich gravy and hearty Spaghetti Sauce with homemade meatballs. Both are perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or freezing for later.

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🥘 Classic Swedish Meatballs

Tender, spiced meatballs served in a rich, savory gravy. This traditional recipe yields a generous amount, making it perfect for gatherings or a hearty family meal.

🍽️ Yield: ~96 Meatballs (12 Servings)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fine bread crumbs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 lb ground beef
  • ½ lb sausage
  • 1 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup butter or margarine
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 3 beef bouillon cubes
  • 4 ½ cups hot water

Preparation Instructions

  1. Mix: Soften crumbs in milk. Add beef, sausage, onion, eggs, and seasonings; mix thoroughly. Shape into ~96 small (1-inch) balls.
  2. Brown: Brown meatballs in butter in batches; set aside.
  3. Gravy: Stir flour into pan drippings. Dissolve bouillon in hot water and whisk into the roux. Simmer gravy over low heat for 3 minutes.
  4. Simmer: Return meatballs to sauce and simmer 10–15 minutes before serving.

🍝 Spaghetti Sauce with Meatballs

A comforting, slow-cooked tomato sauce featuring tender, parmesan-herbed meatballs. The perfect pairing for your favorite spaghetti.

🍽️ Serves: 7–10

Ingredients

Sauce

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 tbsp fat
  • 1 can tomatoes (~2½ cups)
  • 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp sugar, 1 bay leaf

Meatballs

  • ¾ lb ground beef, ¼ lb pork
  • 1 cup fine dry bread crumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan
  • Parsley, 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • ½ cup milk, 2 eggs (beaten)

Preparation Instructions

  1. Sauce: Brown onion in fat. Add tomatoes, paste, water, and spices. Simmer slowly for 1 hour.
  2. Meatballs: Combine all meatball ingredients, mix well, and form into small balls. Brown in hot fat.
  3. Finish: Add meatballs to the simmering sauce and cook for 15 minutes. Serve over cooked spaghetti.

FAQ

Can I bake the Swedish meatballs instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 400°F until cooked through, then add to the gravy to simmer briefly for flavor.

Why does the Swedish meatballs recipe make so many?

This is a classic large-batch community cookbook recipe — great for parties, freezing, or smorgasbord servings.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes. Freeze cooked meatballs (with or without sauce). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Can I make the spaghetti sauce ahead of time?

Yes. The sauce and meatballs reheat beautifully and often taste even better the next day.

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