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Köttbullar

Name: Köttbullar
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3/4 lb ground beef; 1/4 lb ground pork; 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 large egg; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground white pepper; 1/4 tsp ground allspice; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

The authentic Swedish köttbullar — allspice-scented beef and pork balls in a glossy brown gravy, served with potato purée and pickled cucumber.

⏱ 20 minPrep time

🔥 25 minCook time

🍽 4Servings

🏷 DinnerCategory

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Köttbullar are Sweden’s classic home-style meatballs: a blend of beef and pork, tenderized with milk-soaked breadcrumbs and a whisper of allspice, then browned in butter and simmered in a simple brown pan sauce. Small, round and supremely comforting.

They are served with creamy mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and pickled cucumber — the jam’s tart sweetness is non-negotiable. Every Swedish family has its own recipe, and the arguments over the perfect spice balance are part of the tradition.

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Step by stepInstructions

Soak the breadcrumbs in the milk for 10 minutes.
Sauté the onion in a little butter until soft; let cool.
Mix the beef, pork, onion, egg, salt, pepper and allspice with the soaked crumbs, then roll into small 1-inch balls.
Brown the meatballs in butter in batches over medium-high heat, then set aside.
Whisk the flour into the pan, then add the broth, cream and soy sauce; simmer to a smooth gravy.
Return the meatballs to the gravy and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
Serve with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Keep your hands lightly damp so the mixture does not stick when rolling. A little allspice is the traditional secret to the Swedish flavor.

Recipe details

Prep20 min

Cook25 min

Servings4

CategoryDinner

PublishedAugust 17, 2026

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →

Köttbullar

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Köttbullar

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