Caraway Seed Meat Balls
Savory caraway seed meatballs in a rich gravy, blending tender beef with aromatic spices, perfect for hearty dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, finely chopped onion, beaten eggs, bread crumbs, milk, salt, pepper, allspice, nutmeg, brown sugar, and caraway seed in a large bowl.
- Use a teaspoon to form the mixture into small meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs in butter in a frying pan until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the cooked meatballs from the pan and set aside.
- Add beef bouillon, flour, and water to the same pan and stir until the mixture thickens.
- Return the meatballs to the pan and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mixture of ground meats such as pork or turkey along with the beef. If you don't have caraway seeds, you can substitute with fennel seeds for a different twist. Ensure to finely chop the onion to blend seamlessly into the meat mixture. For a lighter option, you could use whole wheat bread crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are delicious served over egg noodles or rice, and they pair beautifully with French Onion Soup (Vernon) for a comforting meal. You might also consider a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, ensuring they are heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caraway Seed Meat Balls contains roughly 134 calories, with 3g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process for best results.
What can I use instead of beef bouillon?
If you don't have beef bouillon, consider using vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or chicken broth for a different taste. Just be sure to adjust the salt in the recipe, as some broths can be saltier than bouillon.
How do I know the meatballs are cooked through?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C). Alternatively, you can cut one open; it should be no longer pink in the center, and the juices should run clear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).