Scandinavian Meat Balls
Scandinavian Meat Balls feature tender beef meatballs infused with herbs and garlic, simmered in rich tomato sauce with mushrooms and green peppers, perfect for comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the bread slices in cold water until soft and make into a smooth mixture.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, eggs, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, parsley, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and the soaked bread mixture.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs evenly in a skillet or oven.
- Drain off excess fat, then add red wine and 1/2 cup water to the skillet.
- Place sliced mushrooms and green peppers over the meatballs.
- Cover and bake in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked meatballs to a serving dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of ground chuck. If you’re out of fresh parsley, dried parsley can be used in a pinch; just reduce the amount to 1 tablespoon. To add extra flavor, try incorporating a dash of nutmeg or allspice into the meatball mixture. Ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the skillet when browning the meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the meatballs over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or with egg noodles for a comforting meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make great accompaniments. For a delightful dessert, consider pairing it with Kim'S Fruit Dip for a sweet finish to the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 prevent drying out, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scandinavian Meat Balls contains roughly 851 calories, with 40g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (158% of the Daily Value), protein (81% of the Daily Value), and iron (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2335mg per serving (102% 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 the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them after shaping and then cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the red wine?
If you prefer not to use red wine, you can substitute with beef broth for a similar depth of flavor. For a non-alcoholic option, a mixture of grape juice and vinegar can mimic the acidity of wine.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free meatballs, substitute the white bread with gluten-free bread or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure that all other ingredients, including sauces and spices, are certified gluten-free as well.
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).