Norwegian Meat Balls
Norwegian Meat Balls are tender, flavorful meatballs seasoned with nutmeg and served with creamy mashed potatoes and fresh dill, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix milk and 1/4 cup of the cornstarch until well blended.
- Add meat, chopped onion, salt, nutmeg, pepper, and egg; mix well.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat vegetable oil until hot.
- Cook meatballs, 1/2 at a time, until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Remove cooked meatballs and drain on paper towels.
- Pour off all but 1/4 of the drippings, adding oil if needed to make 1/4 cup.
- Prepare a sauce or gravy with beef broth (not specified but implied for serving).
- Serve meatballs with hot mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh dill.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley into the meat mixture. If you're short on cornstarch, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. To ensure even cooking, fry the meatballs in batches and avoid overcrowding the skillet. For a twist, serve with a rich sauce similar to Meatballs With Burgundy Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These Norwegian Meat Balls pair perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh dill for a pop of color and flavor. For a hearty option, consider serving them alongside a robust dish like German Gulasch or a warm loaf of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave for a quick option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Norwegian Meat Balls contains roughly 1621 calories, with 14g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 146g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (229% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (131% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2191mg per serving (95% 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 turkey or chicken instead of beef for these meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs. Just be aware that the flavor profile will change slightly, so you might want to add extra seasoning or herbs to enhance the taste.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. Alternatively, cut one open to check that it's no longer pink in the center.
Can I make the meatball mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the meatball mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to shape the meatballs and cook them when you're ready to serve for the best texture 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).