Swedish Meatballs And Sauce
Juicy Swedish meatballs simmered in a sweet and tangy pineapple sauce, perfect for family dinners and entertaining, blending savory spices with fruity sweetness for a comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 16 oz can unsweetened pineapple chunks ⓘ
- 10 oz can undiluted chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sliced green onion ⓘ
- 3 green bell peppers, sliced or diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, onion, bread crumbs, milk, egg, salt, allspice, and white pepper until blended.
- Shape the meat mixture into small balls using about 1 teaspoon of mixture for each.
- Arrange meatballs on shallow baking pans.
- Bake for 4 to 5 minutes or until browned.
- Remove meatballs from the oven and add to the prepared sauce.
- Simmer meatballs in the sauce until cooked through and flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. To enhance flavor, add minced garlic or fresh herbs like parsley to the meat mixture. If you don't have allspice, a combination of cinnamon and nutmeg can be a suitable substitute. To ensure uniform cooking, keep meatballs the same size. Serve with a side of Scallion Soup for a delightful pairing.
Serving Suggestions
Swedish meatballs can be served over egg noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice for a comforting meal. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor. They also pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. For an extra treat, consider serving them alongside Chicken Almond Spread for a delightful appetizer combination.
Storage & Reheating
Allow any leftover meatballs to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag, where they can last for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Swedish Meatballs And Sauce contains roughly 617 calories, with 17g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2564mg per serving (111% 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 Swedish meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, fully cooked meatballs can be frozen and reheated later. Just ensure they are properly cooled and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or beef broth can be excellent substitutes, adding their unique flavors to the sauce. For a lower-sodium option, consider using homemade broth if available, or dilute store-bought broth with water.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your meatballs are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Additionally, they should appear browned on the outside and no longer pink in the center. Cooking them in the sauce also helps to meld flavors.
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).