Swedish meatballs are an absolute crowd-pleaser and make a fantastic family meal that adults and kids will enjoy. Lili Forberg shares her recipe from her new book Lili’s Family Favourites, so you can make your own Swedish meatballs at home.
Lili says “Whenever I go to IKEA, it reminds me to make my own version of Swedish meatballs. We love these, and Leon says they’re the best he’s ever had!”
Lili’s Swedish Meatballs Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients:
- 450g minced lean beef
- 120g (1 cup) breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- good pinch each salt and pepper
- splash of olive oil, for frying
- 480ml (2 cups) full-fat milk
- 480ml (2 cups) beef broth or beef stock
- 500g tagliatelle
- 1 tsp cornflour, dissolved in a little boiling water
- 15g (½ cup) chopped fresh parsley
- handful grated Parmesan, plus extra to serve
Method:
- Mix the beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce and salt and pepper together and shape into little balls.
- Heat the olive oil in a non-stick pan and fry the meatballs on one side till they brown, then turn over.
- When browned all over, pour in the milk and beef broth or stock and bring to the boil.
- Add the tagliatelle and turn down the heat. Stir occasionally, to make sure the pasta isn’t sticking together, until the tagliatelle is cooked.
- If the sauce is thin or separating, add the cornflour mixture and cook for a minute or two until smooth and thickened.
- Add most of the parsley, reserving a little, and plenty of grated Parmesan. Stir through and serve with a little extra Parmesan and the reserved parsley sprinkled on top.

Recipe from Lili’s Family Favourites – Tasty, fuss-free recipes the whole family will love by Lili Forberg. Published by The O’Brien Press (€19.99/£17.99). Images © Lili Forberg
