🥩🥣 Low Carb Carnivore Swedish Meatballs in Cream Sauce
These Low Carb Carnivore Swedish Meatballs are incredibly tender, juicy, and smothered in a rich cream sauce made with butter, beef broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Without breadcrumbs or flour, they’re naturally low in carbohydrates while still delivering the classic comfort of traditional Swedish meatballs.
Whether served on their own or over cauliflower mash for keto eaters, this hearty meal is simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for company.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strict carnivore-friendly option
Keto and low-carb
No breadcrumbs or flour
Rich, creamy sauce
High in protein
One-skillet recipe
Ready in about 40 minutes
Great for meal prep
📋 Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Swedish-Inspired
🛒 Ingredients
Meatballs
2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 pound ground pork
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit for strict carnivore if preferred)
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon white pepper (optional; omit for strict carnivore)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for keto; omit for strict carnivore)
2 tablespoons butter for cooking
Cream Sauce
3 tablespoons butter
2 cups beef bone broth
1 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for keto; omit for strict carnivore)
Salt to taste
Optional Garnishes
Fresh parsley (omit for strict carnivore)
Extra Parmesan
Cracked black pepper
🍳 Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Large skillet
Tongs
Whisk
Measuring cups
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl combine:
Ground beef
Ground pork
Eggs
Parmesan
Salt
White pepper (if using)
Garlic powder (if using)
Mix gently until just combined.
Roll into 1½-inch meatballs (about 24 meatballs).
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Cook the meatballs in batches for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides.
They do not need to be fully cooked yet.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter.
Pour in the beef bone broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Reduce the heat to medium-low.
Whisk in:
Heavy cream
Cream cheese
Once smooth, stir in:
Parmesan cheese
Dijon mustard (if using)
Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Finish Cooking
Return the meatballs to the skillet.
Spoon the sauce over them.
Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with plenty of cream sauce.
For keto eaters, pair with cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables.
For strict carnivore, enjoy the meatballs on their own with extra butter or cheese.
💡 Tips for Success
Don’t Overmix
Mix the meat gently to keep the meatballs tender.
Brown Before Simmering
A good sear develops flavor that enriches the sauce.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Simmer Gently
Keep the sauce at a low simmer to prevent the dairy from separating.
🌟 Delicious Variations
Beef-Only Version
Replace the pork with an additional pound of ground beef.
Extra Cheesy
Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella to the sauce for an even richer finish.
Bacon Swedish Meatballs
Mix 6 slices of finely chopped cooked bacon into the meatball mixture.
Strict Carnivore Version
Use only:
Ground beef
Ground pork
Eggs
Butter
Heavy cream
Beef broth
Salt
Omit the Parmesan, garlic powder, mustard, parsley, and pepper if following a strict animal-based approach.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
Carnivore
Fried eggs
Crispy bacon
Cheese crisps
Bone broth
Extra butter
Keto
Cauliflower mash
Buttered broccoli
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Garlic green beans
Zucchini noodles
Last weekend, I served these meatballs over creamy cauliflower mash with roasted broccoli. The rich cream sauce tied everything together for a comforting, satisfying meal.
🥡 Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze cooked meatballs and sauce together for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
📊 Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 610
Protein: 38g
Fat: 48g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Net Carbs: 4g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Sodium: 640mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on the ingredients and brands used.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only ground beef?
Yes. Using all beef works well, though adding pork creates a more tender, traditional Swedish-style meatball.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. The meatballs and sauce taste even better the next day, making them ideal for meal prep.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes. Since it contains no breadcrumbs or flour, it’s naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes. Cream-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing, but gentle reheating while stirring in a splash of heavy cream will restore a smooth texture.
Can I bake the meatballs instead?
Yes. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, then transfer them to the skillet to finish cooking in the cream sauce.
💚 Final Thoughts
These Low Carb Carnivore Swedish Meatballs in Cream Sauce are rich, comforting, and packed with savory flavor. Tender meatballs simmered in a silky cream sauce create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for keto, low-carb, or carnivore eating. Whether served on their own or with a low-carb side, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.