Swedish Ham Balls In Brown Sauce

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: Swedish

Swedish Ham Balls in Brown Sauce offer a savory blend of ground meats glazed with a sweet and tangy brown sugar and vinegar sauce, perfect for hearty family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground ham
  • 1 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 2 c bread crumbs
  • 2 well beaten eggs
  • 1 c milk
  • 1 c brown sugar
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 1/2 c white vinegar
  • 1/2 c water

Instructions

  1. Combine ground ham, ground pork, ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, and milk in a bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Form the mixture into small meat balls.
  4. Place the meat balls in a baking pan.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, dry mustard, white vinegar, and water.
  6. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  7. Pour the sauce over the meat balls.
  8. Bake in a slow oven at 325°F for 1 hour, basting frequently.

Tips & Substitutions

For optimal flavor, let the meat mixture rest for about 30 minutes before forming the balls to allow the breadcrumbs to absorb moisture. If you don't have ground beef, you can substitute it with more ground pork or turkey for a lighter option. Consider using fresh breadcrumbs for added texture. Also, feel free to add herbs like parsley or thyme for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Swedish Ham Balls pair beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a hearty touch, serve alongside Dwain'S Rice for a comforting and filling dish. A simple green salad can also complement the richness of the ham balls.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ham balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out. Cover with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Swedish Ham Balls In Brown Sauce contains roughly 329 calories, with 9g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

329 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.4g 19% DV
Total Fat 6.9g 9% DV
Carbs 57.4g 21% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 36.5g 73% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 215mg 9% DV
Potassium 281.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 58mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 38.2mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 2.5mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 140.3mg 11% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 ham balls before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the formed but unbaked ham balls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.

What can I serve with Swedish Ham Balls?

Swedish Ham Balls are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Consider pairing them with mashed potatoes or egg noodles for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, a crisp salad or steamed green beans can provide a nice contrast to the savory meatballs.

Can I make these ham balls in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ham balls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, you can bake them, then refrigerate or freeze for later use. Just reheat before serving for best results.

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).

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