Keto Swedish Meatballs
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Enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with these Keto Swedish meatballs. This recipe delivers tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a rich, creamy sauce while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly.
Who doesn’t love a good meatball? They’re the ultimate comfort food and perfect for a cozy night or casual get-together. But sometimes, the classic versions can feel a little heavy, especially if you’re watching your carbs. I used to feel this way, constantly craving those delicious Swedish meatballs but always feeling guilty afterward. That’s what inspired me to create this keto-friendly version. I wanted all the flavor and satisfaction without the carb crash.
I’ve experimented with countless variations over the years, tweaking ingredients and techniques until I finally landed on what I consider the perfect Keto Swedish meatballs recipe. And trust me, these are good. We’re talking melt-in-your-mouth meatballs simmered in a creamy, savory sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean. I’ve served these to both keto and non-keto friends and family, and everyone raves about them. No one can believe they’re low-carb!
So, if you’re craving a classic comfort food without the guilt, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe for Keto Swedish meatballs is easy to follow, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers incredible flavor. Get ready to rediscover your love for meatballs, all while staying on track with your health goals.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make Keto Swedish meatballs:
For the Sauce:
- Butter: Butter adds richness and helps create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Onion: Chopped onion provides aromatic depth and sweetness to the sauce.
- Better than Bouillon Beef: Beef bouillon enhances the savory, beefy flavor of the sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a complex umami flavor and a touch of tanginess.
- Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard contributes a subtle tang and helps emulsify the sauce.
- Heavy whipping cream: Heavy cream creates a rich and creamy texture for the sauce.
- Sour cream: Sour cream adds a slight tang and thickens the sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are used to season the sauce and enhance its overall flavor.
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef: Ground beef is the main ingredient, providing the meaty base for the meatballs.
- Pork rind crumbs: Pork rind crumbs act as a low-carb binder, replacing traditional breadcrumbs.
- Large egg: The egg helps bind the meatball ingredients together.
- Minced garlic: Garlic adds a pungent and savory flavor to the meatballs.
- Allspice: Allspice contributes a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic note.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and nutty flavor that complements the other spices.
- Heavy whipping cream: Heavy cream adds moisture and tenderness to the meatballs.
- Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper are used to season the meatballs and enhance their overall flavor.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is used to cook the meatballs, preventing them from sticking and adding a subtle flavor.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
There are lots of easy ways to customize this Keto Swedish Meatball recipe! Here are a few ideas:
Meatball Variations:
- Different Ground Meat: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beef and pork. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a touch of heat. You could also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika or cumin.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives are chopped finely and added to the meatball mixture, or the sauce can bring a fresh dimension.
- Cheese: Incorporate some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese into the meatball mixture for added flavor and richness.
Sauce Variations:
- Mushroom Cream Sauce: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the onions for a delicious mushroom cream sauce.
- Wine Sauce: Add a splash of dry red or white wine after sautéing the onions for a more complex sauce. Let it reduce slightly before adding the cream.
- Spicy Sauce: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a kick.
- Garlic Lover: Increase the amount of garlic in the sauce or meatballs for a more intense garlic flavor.
- Broth-Based Sauce: Use beef broth instead of (or in addition to) the cream for a lighter sauce. You could also add a thickening agent like xanthan gum if needed.
- Sour Cream Substitute: If you don’t have sour cream, you can use Greek yogurt for a similar tang and creaminess.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Add the ground beef, pork rind crumbs, egg, minced garlic, allspice, nutmeg, whipping cream, and salt and pepper to taste to a mixing bowl, and knead until well combined.
Nutrition
Form the mixture into evenly sized-meatballs.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs evenly on all sizes until cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
Wipe out the skillet. Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add the onions to the skillet, and saute until softened.
Stir in the bouillon, dijon, and Worcestershire sauce.
Whisk in the heavy whipping cream, and simmer until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the sour cream until well combined.
Return the meatballs to the skillet, and toss to coat in the sauce before serving.
Note
Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, then gently form the meatballs.
Storage
To store leftover Keto Swedish Meatballs, first let them cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container, making sure the sauce covers the meatballs to prevent them from drying out. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, you have a couple of options. You can gently reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a minute or two, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can make the meatballs tough. Microwaving is faster, but the skillet method often yields better results in terms of texture. No matter which method you choose, ensure the meatballs are heated through before serving.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Use your hands!
Gently shaping the meatballs with your hands helps ensure they hold together well.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you overcrowd the pan when searing the meatballs, they will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful crust.
- Adjust the sauce thickness. If the sauce is too thick, add a little broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it.
- Make it ahead of time! These meatballs can be made ahead of time and reheated later. This is a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
- Sear for flavor, not necessarily fully cook: The searing step is primarily to develop flavor on the outside of the meatballs. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce. This helps prevent them from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Keto Swedish Meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. For a classic and comforting keto-friendly meal, consider serving them over a bed of creamy cauliflower mash. The richness of the cauliflower mash complements the savory meatballs and creamy sauce beautifully. You could also try serving them with “riced” cauliflower or shirataki rice, both excellent low-carb options that soak up the delicious sauce. Don’t forget a side of steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or spinach for a balanced and nutritious meal. The vibrant green colors add visual appeal and the vegetables provide essential vitamins and fiber.
Another delicious way to enjoy these meatballs is with zucchini noodles, or “zoodles.” The light and slightly sweet flavor of the zoodles pairs perfectly with the rich and savory meatballs and sauce. It’s a fun and healthy way to get your veggie intake while still enjoying a satisfying meal. You can also explore other low-carb noodle alternatives like spaghetti squash or palmini noodles. These options provide a similar texture to traditional pasta without the high carbohydrate content, making them ideal for a keto diet. Or, for another flavorful and unique low-carb meal, try pairing them with something like my Keto Fried Cauliflower Rice with Shrimp.
Beyond the traditional pairings, consider using the Keto Swedish Meatballs as part of a larger dish. They can be a fantastic addition to a keto-friendly casserole, or even used as a topping for a low-carb pizza crust. You could also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks for a party or gathering. For a completely different flavor profile, you could even use the meatballs in a soup, similar to my Low Carb Pizza Soup, but perhaps with a creamy, Swedish-inspired broth. The possibilities are endless! Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorite way to enjoy these delicious meatballs.
FAQs
Recipe
Keto Swedish Meatballs
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon Beef
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup sour cream
- salt and pepper to taste
For the meatballs:
- 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
- 1 cup pork rind crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Pinch allspice
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Add the ground beef, pork rind crumbs, egg, minced garlic, allspice, nutmeg, whipping cream and salt and pepper to taste to a mixing bowl, and knead until well combined.
- Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
- Sear the meatballs evenly on all sized until cooked to your liking. Remove and set aside.
- Wipe out the skillet.
- Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions to the skillet, and saute until softened.
- Stir in the bouillon, dijon and worcestershire sauce.
- Whisk in the heavy whipping cream, and simmer until the sauce has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the sour cream until well combined.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, and toss to coat in the sauce before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, then gently form the meatballs.
- Gently shaping the meatballs with your hands helps ensure they hold together well.
