Danish Meat Balls
Danish Meat Balls are tender, flavorful meat rounds made from beef and pork, seasoned with onion and spices, perfect for hearty dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have the beef and pork ground twice.
- Combine the ground meats with flour, salt, pepper, grated onion, eggs, and milk; mix well.
- Shape the mixture into 3/4 to 1-inch meat balls.
- Fry the meat balls in butter or margarine until browned and cooked through.
- Alternatively, this mixture can be made into a meat loaf.
- Bake at 370°F until it pulls away from the pan.
- Serve with fried red cabbage or your preferred side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork. Use whole wheat flour instead of regular flour for added nutrition. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan while frying the meatballs to achieve an even brown.
Serving Suggestions
These Danish meatballs are delightful served with fried red cabbage, which complements their savory flavor. For a heartier meal, pair them with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. They also work well in sandwiches with a dollop of mustard. For more delicious ideas, browse more beef recipes to find perfect accompaniments.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, covering the pan to retain moisture. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave, ensuring they are warmed through without drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Danish Meat Balls contains roughly 379 calories, with 20g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value) and protein (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1930mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
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 before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Simply shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for each egg. This will help bind the meatballs while keeping them moist.
How can I tell if the meatballs are fully cooked?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, check that they have reached an internal temperature of 160°F. You can also cut one in half; it should be no longer pink in the center and 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).