Quick And Easy Swedish Meatballs
Creamy, savory Swedish meatballs with tender beef and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suited for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend cream of celery soup with water in a casserole or saucepan.
- Measure out 1/4 cup of the soup mixture and combine in a bowl with ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, and parsley.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch diameter balls.
- Brown the meatballs on top of the stove or microwave on high for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Add the meatballs to the remaining soup mixture.
- Cook, covered, over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring now and then.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture. If you don't have fresh parsley, you can double the dry parsley. To make this dish lighter, substitute ground turkey for the beef. If you're in a pinch, use store-bought meatballs instead of making your own. Remember to adjust cooking times accordingly if using pre-cooked meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Swedish meatballs over egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. They pair well with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad to balance the richness. For a complete dinner, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish also complements well with recipes like Luck O' The Irish Stew.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power for 2-3 minutes until heated through, ensuring they don’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Swedish Meatballs contains roughly 589 calories, with 14g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1166mg per serving (51% 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 freeze the meatballs?
Yes, these meatballs freeze well. Just shape and cook them, then let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the sauce on the stove or microwave until heated through.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken or vegetable broth, and some minced celery. Alternatively, cream of mushroom or chicken soup can work in a pinch, providing a slightly different flavor while maintaining creaminess.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
To ensure your meatballs are fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half; it should be no longer pink in the center and juices should run clear.
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).