Swedish Meat Balls In Sweet And Sour Sauce
Juicy Swedish meatballs in a tangy sweet and sour sauce, perfect for comforting dinners or entertaining guests with their rich, savory flavors and tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, garlic salt, milk, soy sauce, egg, pepper, and chopped onion thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs.
- Bake the meatballs at 300°F for 20 minutes.
- Simmer the baked meatballs in sweet and sour sauce for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for beef. You can also add breadcrumbs to the mixture for added texture. If you don't have soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos are great alternatives. Enhance the flavor by incorporating herbs like parsley or dill. Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sweet and sour sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Swedish meatballs over a bed of egg noodles or rice to soak up the sweet and sour sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad complements the dish nicely. For an added twist, consider pairing them with Spanish Rice Soup for a hearty meal or some crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep them moist, or microwave them in short intervals until warmed through. They can also be frozen for up to three months; simply thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Meat Balls In Sweet And Sour Sauce contains roughly 547 calories, with 12g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2419mg per serving (105% 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 use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as substitutes. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
How can I make the sweet and sour sauce from scratch?
To create a homemade sweet and sour sauce, mix equal parts of ketchup and vinegar, then add sugar to taste. You can also incorporate soy sauce and a bit of pineapple juice for extra flavor. Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to suit your taste preferences!
Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meatball mixture ahead of time. Shape and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs and bake them straight from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).