Meatballs(Swedish)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Swedish

Savory Swedish meatballs with rich gravy, mushrooms, and onions, perfect for comfort food lovers and family dinners with a flavorful, hearty profile.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup dried bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1 small can mushroom pieces

Instructions

  1. Mix ground beef, ground pork, milk, bread crumbs, sour cream, chopped onion, eggs, mushroom pieces, mushroom gravy mix, and onion soup mix thoroughly.
  2. Make small meatballs from the mixture.
  3. Brown the meatballs in the oven at 400°F for a short time or fry them in a pan until browned.
  4. Prepare the gravy by mixing the gravy mix and onion soup mix according to package directions.
  5. Add mushroom pieces to the gravy.
  6. Pour the gravy mixture over the browned meatballs.
  7. Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes until fully cooked and flavorful.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley to the meatball mixture. If you're short on dried bread crumbs, crushed crackers or rolled oats can be a suitable substitute. To keep the meatballs moist, avoid overmixing the ingredients. You can also experiment with different ground meats, such as turkey or chicken, for lighter alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Swedish meatballs over a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A side of lingonberry sauce adds a delightful sweetness that complements the savory flavors. For a complete dinner, pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. These meatballs also make an excellent appetizer, similar to Miniature Red Cheese Balls.

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 gravy, covering to steam them until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to a container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Meatballs(Swedish) contains roughly 406 calories, with 23g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron.

406 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 22.9g 46% DV
Total Fat 16.8g 22% DV
Carbs 40.1g 15% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 7g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 222.9mg 10% DV
Potassium 573.2mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 143.3mg 48% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 70mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 2.9mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.7mcg 3% DV
Calcium 182.9mg 14% DV
Iron 2.4mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to cook. Alternatively, you can shape the meatballs and freeze them uncooked. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when baking them from frozen.

How can I adjust the recipe for dietary restrictions?

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread crumbs and ensure the gravy mix is gluten-free as well. If you're avoiding dairy, replace the milk and sour cream with plant-based alternatives, like almond milk and coconut yogurt, for similar texture and flavor.

What should I do if the meatballs are too dry?

If the meatballs turn out dry, you can add more sour cream or a splash of milk to the mixture before cooking. Additionally, ensure not to overbake them, as this can lead to dryness. Consider serving them with extra gravy to enhance moisture and flavor.

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).

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