Grandma'S Swedish Meatballs
Grandma's Swedish Meatballs feature a savory blend of ground beef and sausage, seasoned with fresh vegetables, baked to perfection, and served in a creamy mushroom sauce. Perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend onion, bell pepper, and a little water until smooth, then set aside.
- Mix sausage, ground beef, egg, bread, and seasonings in a bowl.
- Add the blended onion and pepper mixture to the meat mixture.
- Refrigerate the mixture in a gallon bag overnight.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat.
- Place the browned meatballs into a crock-pot with cream of mushroom soup and barbecue sauce.
- Cook on high for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using day-old bread for the meatball mixture, as it will absorb moisture better. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage. You can also use fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh twist. Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste, or replace the barbecue sauce with a homemade version for a personalized touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Swedish meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. Pair with steamed vegetables or a side salad for a balanced dish. For a unique twist, try them in a sub sandwich with melted cheese. They also pair beautifully with Company Onion Soup, making for a heartwarming dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw if frozen, and warm in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of cream of mushroom soup to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Swedish Meatballs contains roughly 18 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 make Swedish meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. You can also shape and freeze the meatballs before cooking. Just thaw them in the refrigerator and cook as directed when you're ready to enjoy them.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can create a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk, then add sautéed mushrooms for flavor. Alternatively, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a dairy-free cream alternative for a similar consistency.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C) for beef and pork. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open to ensure it's no longer pink inside and the juices 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).