Microwave Norwegian Meat Balls
Delicious microwave Norwegian meatballs with a rich caper and Swiss cheese gravy, perfect for quick, flavorful meals suited for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cream or milk ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground veal
- 1 beaten egg ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons mashed capers ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons flour ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups chicken stock ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 ounces grated Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons minced parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Pour cream or milk over bread crumbs and soak for 15 minutes.
- Blend ground beef, ground veal, beaten egg, salt, pepper, minced onion, mashed capers, and the soaked bread crumbs.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and arrange on a shallow dish.
- Place in microwave oven and cook at full power for 8 to 10 minutes, or bake in a conventional oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
- Rest the meatballs for 5 minutes.
- Make gravy by combining the remaining ingredients except the parsley.
- Cook the gravy in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes, or on the stove over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Pour the gravy over the meatballs and top with minced parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the ground beef with turkey or chicken. If you can't find veal, you can use all beef or a mix of beef and pork. Adjust the seasoning to taste, and consider adding minced garlic for extra flavor. Make sure to soak the bread crumbs well to keep the meatballs moist. If you prefer a crispy texture, consider briefly broiling the meatballs after microwaving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over a bed of mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty meal. They pair beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. For a comforting soup option, consider pairing them with a bowl of Pot Herb Soup. Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to keep them moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Norwegian Meat Balls contains roughly 1141 calories, with 19g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and protein (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2072mg per serving (90% 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 use only ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use only ground beef if you prefer. It will still yield delicious meatballs, but the flavor and texture may differ slightly. Ground turkey or chicken can also be used for a lighter option.
What can I substitute for capers?
If you don't have capers, finely chopped green olives or pickles can work as a substitute. They will add a similar briny flavor that complements the meatballs. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked or cooked meatballs. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
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).