Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Panko or fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Whole Milk or heavy cream (for soaking)
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 lb Ground Pork
  • 1/2 medium Yellow Onion, finely grated or minced
  • 1 large Egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp Allspice, ground
  • 1/4 tsp Nutmeg, freshly grated
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter or Neutral Oil (for searing)
  • 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (for gravy)
  • 3 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Beef Broth (low sodium)
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions:

  1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk/cream in a small bowl. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until soaked.
  2. In a large bowl, gently combine the soaked breadcrumb mixture, ground meats, grated onion, egg, parsley, allspice, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix only until just combined.
  3. Lightly roll the mixture into small, uniform balls, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  4. Heat 2 Tbsp butter/oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs in batches, turning gently until browned deeply on all sides. Remove the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits (fond). Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a light golden roux.
  6. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then whisk in the heavy cream, Dijon, and soy sauce. Simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  7. Gently nestle the seared meatballs back into the gravy. Cover loosely and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  8. Taste the gravy and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, traditionally with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.