Swedish Meat Balls In Cranberry Sauce
Juicy Swedish meatballs glazed with tangy cranberry sauce, combining savory flavors with a hint of sweetness—perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, crushed corn flakes, eggs, soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and minced onion. Mix well.
- Form mixture into small meatballs and arrange them in an open pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Pour off excess fat from the pan.
- Serve meatballs with cranberry sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Swedish Meat Balls, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth or using panko breadcrumbs instead of corn flakes for a different texture. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option, or use a mix of beef and pork for added richness. Make sure to not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meatballs with a side of mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for a comforting meal. They also pair well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, try serving them as appetizers with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauces, or alongside a bowl of Ramen Noodle Soup for a unique fusion.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Meat Balls In Cranberry Sauce contains roughly 291 calories, with 13g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (209% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2200mg per serving (96% 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 these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator before baking. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before baking them as instructed.
What type of cranberry sauce works best?
You can use homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce; both work well. If you prefer a sweeter touch, opt for a cranberry sauce with added sugar or spices. For a bit of zing, consider adding a squeeze of orange juice to your sauce.
How can I make these meatballs healthier?
To make the meatballs healthier, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey, and replace corn flakes with oats or whole wheat breadcrumbs. Adding finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots can also increase the nutritional content while keeping the meatballs moist.
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).