Mom'S Swedish Meatballs
Mom's Swedish Meatballs feature tender meatballs in a sweet and tangy jam-based sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners or entertaining guests with a comforting, flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine chopped meat, egg, bread crumbs, and water in a bowl.
- Blend all ingredients; if too dry, add a little water; if too wet, add more bread crumbs.
- Form into small meatballs and set aside.
- Combine grape jam, apricot jam, chili sauce, lemon juice, and brown sugar in a pot.
- Heat until the jams and sugar are melted and blended.
- Add raisins and stir into the sauce.
- Add the meatballs to the sauce, stir gently, and cook on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of beef and pork for the meatballs. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute regular bread crumbs with gluten-free ones. To enhance the sauce, a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can add depth. Make sure to keep the temperature low to prevent the sauce from burning while the meatballs cook.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad balances the richness of the dish. These meatballs also pair beautifully with Cheese 'N Chutney for a delightful appetizer spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce from thickening too much. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Swedish Meatballs contains roughly 908 calories, with 51g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (101% of the Daily Value), iron (89% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 21g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs if you're short on time. Simply add them to the sauce and heat until they are cooked through. Just be mindful that the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on their size and whether they are pre-cooked or raw.
What can I substitute for the chili sauce?
If you don't have chili sauce, you can use a combination of ketchup and hot sauce to achieve a similar sweet and spicy flavor. Alternatively, barbecue sauce can work as a substitute, although it will change the overall taste of the dish.
How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?
The meatballs are done when they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 160°F. Cooking them on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours allows them to soak in the sauce flavor while ensuring they are thoroughly cooked.
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).