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Finnish Meatballs (Lihapyorykoita)

Finnish Meatballs (Lihapyorykoita) feature tender beef meatballs scented with warm allspice and nestled in a rich dairy gravy. They’re savory, gently spiced, and perfect alongside mashed potatoes, beets, and a tangy pickle for contrast. A cozy weeknight dish that also fits a relaxed weekend supper.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook30 mins
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyEasy
Finnish Meatballs (Lihapyorykoita)
  1. 1

    Combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, egg, cream, salt, and allspice in a bowl, mixing with your hands until evenly combined. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized balls.

  2. 2

    Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook about half of the meatballs in the melted butter until browned evenly on all sides, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining meatballs, leaving the liquid in the skillet when done.

  3. 3

    Slowly pour the milk into the skillet while whisking vigorously; add the cream and stir until smooth.

  4. 4

    If the gravy has lumps, pour it through a strainer.

  5. 5

    Return all the meatballs to the skillet and stir to coat them with the gravy. Bring to a simmer and cook until the meatballs are cooked through, 15 to 20 minutes.