Grandma Stolley'S Frikadellen(Meatballs)
Grandma Stolley's Frikadellen are hearty German-style meatballs with tender beef, seasoned with nutmeg, and served with rich brown gravy, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the roll in water, then squeeze out excess water.
- Mix the soaked roll with ground hamburger, diced onion, shredded carrot, egg, and seasonings like nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Shape the mixture into round patties about 2 to 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Brown the meat patties on both sides in hot shortening until cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- Drain the grease from the skillet and prepare brown gravy, using an envelope of gravy mix if desired.
- Return the meatballs to the gravy and simmer for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or chopped herbs like parsley to the meat mixture. If you don't have nutmeg, allspice or a pinch of cinnamon can work as substitutes. Use fresh bread for better texture, or try gluten-free bread if needed. Keep the meatballs uniform in size for even cooking. For a twist, try serving them with a side of German Potato Salad(Hot Potato Salad).
Serving Suggestions
These frikadellen are delicious served with a rich brown gravy, alongside mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Pair them with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. They also make a great filling for sandwiches. For a hearty side, consider serving with Spicy Hot Black-Eyed Peas for an added kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover frikadellen 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 to prevent drying out, covering with a lid. Alternatively, you can microwave them briefly, checking often to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Stolley'S Frikadellen(Meatballs) contains roughly 769 calories, with 14g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (103% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 577mg per serving (25% 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 frikadellen before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked frikadellen. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just increase cooking time as needed.
What can I use instead of hamburger meat?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a mixture of mushrooms and beans, blended to a similar texture.
How can I make the gravy from scratch?
To make gravy from scratch, use the drippings left in the skillet after cooking the meatballs. Add flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in beef or vegetable broth until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
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).