Swedish Meatballs

Swedish meatballs, or 'köttbullar', are a beloved Scandinavian comfort food, traditionally made from a mix of ground beef and pork blended with onions, breadcrumbs, and warm spices like allspice and nutmeg. They are typically pan-fried and served in a rich, creamy gravy, often accompanied by lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes or pickled cucumber.

🍳 View the full Swedish Meatballs recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in protein from the meat and fat from the creamy sauce and cooking method, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates from the breadcrumbs and any accompanying sides. A typical serving provides a good source of iron and B vitamins, and can range from 400 to 600 calories depending on portion size and recipe specifics.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	550 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	35 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	900 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Calcium	120 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Vitamin B12	2.5 mcg
Zinc	4.0 mg
Phosphorus	300 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Niacin (B3)	6.0 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, these meatballs are a cornerstone of Swedish 'fika' and home cooking, popularized globally by IKEA's food courts. Nutritionally, the traditional inclusion of spices like allspice not only adds a unique, warm flavor profile but also has historical roots in using spices to aid digestion.