Swedish Meatballs on the Arteflame Grill

Swedish meatballs are a classic comfort food known for their rich, creamy sauce and tender, flavorful meat. By grilling the meatballs on the Arteflame grill, you add a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the traditional creamy sauce. Serve these delicious meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil for brushing

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Serving Ideas:

• Egg noodles or mashed potatoes
• Lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce on the side

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, chopped onion, minced garlic, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Shape the Meatballs

Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 20-24 meatballs. Place the meatballs on a tray and brush them lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking on the grill.

3. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Preheat your Arteflame grill to medium heat. Make sure the flat cooktop is hot enough to sear the meatballs but not so hot that they burn before cooking through.

4. Grill the Meatballs

Place the meatballs directly on the hot center of the Arteflame grill. Grill them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully with tongs to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. The meatballs should develop a nice golden-brown crust while remaining juicy on the inside.

Once the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F or 71°C), remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes while you prepare the sauce.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat on the Arteflame grill. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

6. Combine and Serve

Add the grilled meatballs to the saucepan with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the meatballs evenly. Let them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serve the Swedish meatballs hot, garnished with fresh parsley. They are perfect over egg noodles or mashed potatoes, with a side of lingonberry jam or cranberry sauce for a traditional touch.

Tips for the Best Swedish Meatballs

• Even Cooking: Turn the meatballs frequently on the grill to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more beef broth or cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
• Seasoning: The allspice and nutmeg add a warm, traditional flavor to the meatballs, but you can adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Conclusion

Swedish meatballs cooked on the Arteflame grill are a delicious twist on a classic dish. The smoky flavor from the grill pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy sauce, making this a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether served over noodles, potatoes, or on their own, these meatballs are sure to be a hit.

Variations

1. Spicy Swedish Meatballs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture for a bit of heat.
2. Cheesy Swedish Meatballs: Stir in grated Parmesan or Gruyère cheese into the meatball mixture for extra richness.
3. Turkey Swedish Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork for a lighter version.
4. Mushroom Cream Sauce: Add sautéed mushrooms to the creamy sauce for an earthy flavor.
5. Herb-Infused Meatballs: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the meatball mixture for a fragrant twist.

Best Pairings

• Drink: Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a cold beer.
• Side Dish: Serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or pickled cucumbers.
• Dessert: Follow up with a traditional Swedish dessert like almond cake or a berry tart.