Swedish meatballs with gravy
Swedish meatballs with gravy is a classic Scandinavian comfort dish featuring tender, seasoned meatballs—traditionally a mix of beef and pork—served in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a staple of Swedish home cooking and 'fika' culture, often accompanied by lingonberry jam, mashed potatoes, and pickled cucumbers.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in protein from the meat and fat from the creamy gravy and cooking method, with moderate carbs if served with potatoes or bread. A typical serving provides around 500-700 calories, along with iron, B vitamins, and some calcium from the dairy-based sauce.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 25 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Zinc | 4.0 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.5 mcg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.0 mg |
| Selenium | 20 mcg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a symbol of Swedish 'hygge' or coziness, popularized globally by IKEA's cafeteria. Nutritionally, the traditional use of allspice and nutmeg in the meatballs adds anti-inflammatory compounds, while the lingonberry jam offers antioxidants and a tart contrast to the rich gravy.
