Swedish Meat Cakes
Swedish Meat Cakes are flavorful, savory patties made from ground beef, seasoned with lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce, perfect for hearty, comforting meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef with egg yolks or egg, soft bread crumbs, milk or stock, grated onion, and lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into cakes.
- Roll each cake in flour.
- Brown the cakes in fat in a skillet.
- Add 1 1/2 cups of tomato sauce or stock to the skillet.
- Place the cakes in a covered casserole.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Serve with a border of rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the meat mixture. If you don't have soft bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or stale bread soaked in milk. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. To enhance the sauce, a splash of red wine can be added before baking.
Serving Suggestions
These meat cakes are delicious served with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles. For a fresh complement, consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. They also pair beautifully with a border of rice, allowing the sauce to soak in. For a festive touch, serve alongside Wedding Rings for a delightful meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Swedish meat cakes 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, adding a little stock or water to keep them moist, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, checking often to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Meat Cakes contains roughly 541 calories, with 16g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), protein (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1000mg per serving (43% 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 Swedish meat cakes?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meat cakes. Shape them and place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cook them straight from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
What can I use instead of tomato sauce?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use beef stock or a homemade gravy instead of tomato sauce. For a unique twist, try a creamy mushroom sauce, which can add a lovely richness to the dish. Adjust the seasonings accordingly to complement your substitute.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can create vegetarian meat cakes using lentils or mushrooms as a base. Combine cooked lentils or finely chopped mushrooms with breadcrumbs, egg, grated onion, and seasonings to form the mixture. These vegetarian recipes can be prepared using the same method and are equally delicious.
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).