Minnesota Swedish Meatballs
Minnesota Swedish Meatballs feature tender meatballs in a creamy, flavorful sauce with hints of paprika and parsley, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1/2 cup minced onions ⓘ
- 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, ground pork, minced onions, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, egg, and milk.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs and brown them in a frypan.
- Mix together salad oil, flour, and paprika, and pour this mixture over the browned meatballs.
- Prepare a cream sauce by mixing sour cream, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the cream sauce over the meatballs and simmer until the sauce thickens.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in a bit of grated Parmesan cheese or using fresh herbs like dill instead of parsley. If you don't have bread crumbs, crushed crackers or oats can serve as a good substitute. To prevent meatballs from sticking, keep your hands wet while shaping them. This recipe is reminiscent of classic American recipes, making it a comforting option for family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Minnesota Swedish meatballs over a bed of egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. Pair with steamed green beans or a crisp salad for a balanced plate. They also make a great appetizer, served with toothpicks and a side of the cream sauce for dipping. This dish pairs beautifully with Beef Ragout With Dumplings for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs 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 to create steam, covering the pan until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick option, but be careful not to overheat, as this can dry them out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Minnesota Swedish Meatballs contains roughly 869 calories, with 48g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (135% of the Daily Value), protein (96% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 951mg per serving (41% 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 make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. They can also be frozen before or after cooking. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then cook as directed.
What can I substitute for sour cream in the sauce?
If you're looking for a substitute for sour cream, Greek yogurt works well and adds a similar tanginess. You can also use a mixture of cream cheese and a little milk to achieve a similar consistency and flavor. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to taste.
Are there any variations to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor profile. Swapping out the ground pork for ground turkey or chicken can lighten the recipe. For a twist, consider adding finely chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture for added 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).