Scandinavian Meatballs
Scandinavian Meatballs feature tender turkey meatballs in a creamy dill-flavored sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions with fresh herb notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground turkey mix and dill weed in a large bowl until blended.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in butter or margarine, cooking in batches if necessary.
- Transfer the browned meatballs into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle flour over the pan drippings and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture bubbles.
- Stir in milk, water, and instant chicken broth.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of dill weed.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until heated through and sauce is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding finely chopped onions or garlic to the meat mixture. Fresh dill offers a brighter taste, but dried dill works well too. Be sure to stir the sauce frequently to prevent it from sticking and burning.
Serving Suggestions
These meatballs are perfect when served over a bed of mashed potatoes or alongside buttered noodles. You might also enjoy them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a cozy meal, serve with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Bavarian Potato Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Scandinavian meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scandinavian Meatballs contains roughly 269 calories, with 16g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (164% of the Daily Value), calcium (82% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 534mg per serving (23% 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 Scandinavian meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before browning and baking. This allows the flavors to meld, making them even tastier.
Can I freeze Scandinavian meatballs?
Absolutely! Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze the meatballs in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
What can I serve with Scandinavian meatballs?
Scandinavian meatballs are traditionally served with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad. They also pair well with rice or noodles for a different twist.
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).