If you crave comfort food that doesn’t throw your healthy lifestyle off track, these Keto Swedish Meatballs are a total game-changer. Imagine tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in a silky, creamy sauce—all while keeping things low carb and keto-friendly. This dish brings together the classic flavors you love, swaps out the carbs, and still delivers all the rich, cozy satisfaction you expect from an authentic Swedish favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, Keto Swedish Meatballs prove that indulgence and wellness can absolutely go hand-in-hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Keto Swedish Meatballs lies in its simple ingredient list—everything is carefully chosen to maximize flavor, texture, and that signature creamy sauce, all while keeping things perfectly keto. Each component plays a starring role, blending together to create irresistible bite-sized magic.
- Ground beef: Choose an 80/20 blend for juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold together beautifully.
- Ground pork: Adds richness and a slightly sweet depth that complements the beef perfectly.
- Almond flour: The secret to binding everything in a low-carb way, without breadcrumbs.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory, nutty undertones and an extra boost of texture.
- Heavy cream: Key for keeping the meatballs moist and giving the sauce its signature silkiness.
- Large egg: Helps everything stick together while adding structure to the mixture.
- Onion, finely minced: Just a little goes a long way in adding sweet, aromatic depth.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses the whole dish with that unmistakable comforting aroma.
- Ground allspice: Provides the hallmark sweet-earthy flavor traditional to Swedish meatballs.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a touch brings warmth and a hint of nostalgia.
- Salt and black pepper: Season as you go to make every bite sing with perfect flavor.
- Butter: For sautéing and giving the sauce its glorious richness.
- Beef broth: Forms the backbone of the creamy sauce, so use a good-quality broth.
- Heavy cream (for the sauce): Doubles down on that luxurious creaminess in the final dish.
- Dijon mustard: Adds gentle tang and complexity without overpowering the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami flavor and rounds out the savory profile.
- Xanthan gum (optional): Use this low-carb thickener if you love an extra clingy sauce.
- Chopped fresh parsley: The finishing touch for color and a pop of freshness.
How to Make Keto Swedish Meatballs
Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs
Start by combining your ground beef and pork in a large bowl, then add the almond flour, Parmesan, heavy cream, egg, minced onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together gently—just until combined—so your meatballs stay tender. Use your hands (the best kitchen tools!) to form the mixture into 1-inch balls. A cookie scoop can help if you want them perfectly uniform.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add the butter and swirl it to coat the pan. Place the meatballs in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd. Brown them in batches if you need to, turning every few minutes so they develop a gorgeous golden crust on all sides. It should take about 8 to 10 minutes for them to cook through. Once done, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
With the skillet still hot (don’t clean it; those browned bits are flavor gold!), pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Use a whisk to blend everything, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the pan. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. If you want it thicker, sprinkle in the xanthan gum and whisk for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce turns perfectly velvety.
Step 4: Coat and Simmer
Return the meatballs gently to the skillet, turning to coat each one in the dreamy sauce. Let them all cozy up together and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This final step marries all the flavors and infuses each meatball with the rich, creamy goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over your Keto Swedish Meatballs. The pop of green against the creamy sauce makes this dish as pretty as it is delicious. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy all the comfort on your plate!
How to Serve Keto Swedish Meatballs
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley is all you need for a bright, herbal finish on Keto Swedish Meatballs. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a quick twist of black pepper adds that little something special to each plate.
Side Dishes
Keep it effortless and low carb by serving your Keto Swedish Meatballs over a cloud of cauliflower mash or a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles. These sides soak up all that luscious sauce and double down on the cozy vibes without any carb overload.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, bring the skillet straight to the table for everyone to help themselves. If you’re entertaining, try threading the meatballs onto skewers, drizzle with sauce, and add a parsley garnish for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply pop any leftover Keto Swedish Meatballs into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making midweek lunches and snacks a breeze.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked meatballs and sauce together or separately for ultimate flexibility. Let everything cool down first, then stash in freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep happy in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prepping or emergencies.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Keto Swedish Meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating also works for individual servings—just be sure to use a cover to prevent splatters.
FAQs
What’s the best meat blend for Keto Swedish Meatballs?
A mix of ground beef and pork gives the best balance of flavor and juiciness, but you can make it with just beef or just pork in a pinch.
Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The result will still be incredibly rich and satisfying.
What can I use instead of xanthan gum?
If you don’t have xanthan gum, you can reduce the sauce a little longer for a thicker texture, or whisk in a teaspoon of arrowroot powder (keep in mind the carbs may be slightly higher).
Are these meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Almond flour replaces traditional breadcrumbs, making Keto Swedish Meatballs naturally gluten-free and suitable for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
Can I make the meatballs in advance?
You sure can. Shape and refrigerate the meatballs up to a day ahead; just brown and finish them as directed when you’re ready to eat. They’re also freezer-friendly for even more convenience.
Final Thoughts
Keto Swedish Meatballs are proof that you never have to choose between comfort food and your wellness goals. This is one of those recipes that truly wows from first bite to last—so pull out your skillet, gather a few humble ingredients, and treat yourself to some seriously satisfying, guilt-free comfort tonight.
Print
Keto Swedish Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Keto Swedish Meatballs are a low-carb, gluten-free twist on the classic comfort food. Juicy meatballs simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce, perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup onion, finely minced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for thickening)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, almond flour, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, egg, onion, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: Brown meatballs in butter in a skillet. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, combine beef broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer and thicken with xanthan gum.
- Combine and Serve: Return meatballs to the skillet, coat in sauce, and simmer. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
