Smorgasbord Meatballs
Savory meatballs flavored with allspice and white pepper, perfect for hearty appetizers or main courses, appealing to family gatherings and casual dinners alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet.
- Add minced onion and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs and water; let stand for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add ground beef, sausage, sautéed onion, salt, allspice, white pepper, and sugar to the bowl.
- Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until smooth.
- Chill the mixture if needed.
- Shape the meat mixture into tiny meatballs using teaspoons.
- Pour melted butter into a large skillet to a depth of 1/4 inch.
- Add meatballs and brown on all sides.
- Drain meatballs on towels.
- Arrange in a serving dish and pour hot soup or sauce over when ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage for a lighter option. If you don’t have soft bread crumbs, use crushed crackers or stale bread soaked in milk. Ensure the meatballs are uniformly sized for even cooking, and try adding minced garlic for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs with a rich sauce or soup, such as Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef-Barley Soup, for a comforting meal. They can also be paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a hearty dish. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor.
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 water or broth, covering to steam for a few minutes. Alternatively, microwave them in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smorgasbord Meatballs contains roughly 379 calories, with 13g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 670mg per serving (29% 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. Shape them and place on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking or add directly to a sauce for a longer cooking time.
What can I use instead of white pepper?
If you don't have white pepper, you can substitute with black pepper, but it may alter the appearance slightly. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne can add warmth without overpowering the flavor profile.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The best way to check if meatballs are done is to use a meat thermometer, which should read 160°F (71°C) for ground beef. If you don't have a thermometer, cut one open; it should be no longer pink inside 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).