Small Meat Balls (Swedish)(Smakottbullar)
Juicy Swedish small meatballs bursting with savory flavors, perfect as an appetizer or main dish, appealing to meat lovers and those craving comforting, flavorful bites.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown minced onion in 2 tablespoons butter or margarine until golden.
- Mix the browned onion with ground beef, ground pork, ground veal, bread crumbs, light cream, egg, salt, dry mustard, and nutmeg until well blended.
- Use heaping teaspoonfuls of the mixture for each meatball.
- Dip hands in cold water and shape the mixture into smooth balls.
- Saute the meatballs in browned butter, cooking two dozen at a time, shaking the skillet occasionally to brown evenly.
- When all meatballs are browned, add a small amount of hot water to the skillet and loosen the drippings.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes or until done.
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onion or incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the meat mixture. If you don't have veal on hand, you can substitute it with additional ground beef or pork. Make sure to chill the meat mixture for about 30 minutes before shaping for easier handling. For a twist, try serving these meatballs with a creamy mustard sauce, which pairs beautifully with this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These small meatballs are perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Serve them with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes for a traditional Swedish experience, or pair with a simple salad for a lighter meal. They also go well with pasta or rice, making them versatile for different occasions. For a hearty meal, consider serving alongside your favorite beef recipes like Beef Bavarian.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored 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 broth or water to keep them moist, covering until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Small Meat Balls (Swedish)(Smakottbullar) contains roughly 671 calories, with 19g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 528mg 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 freeze the meatballs before cooking them?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of light cream?
If you don't have light cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream for a similar texture and flavor. Adjust the consistency with a bit of flour if needed to maintain the richness of the dish.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer. Alternatively, cut one open to ensure that it's no longer pink inside and the juices 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).